Tom Cotton after Trump names him potential Supreme Court nominee: ‘It’s time for Roe v. Wade to go’

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) on Wednesday reiterated his support for overturning Roe v. Wade after President Trump named him a potential Supreme Court justice nominee.

“It’s time for Roe v. Wade to go,” Cotton tweeted.

It’s time for Roe v. Wade to go.

— Tom Cotton (@TomCottonAR) September 9, 2020

Trump included Cotton on his list of 20 additional Supreme Court candidates released Wednesday. Republican Sens. Ted Cruz (Texas), a vocal opponent of Trump during his 2016 presidential bid, and Josh Hawley (Mo.) were also on the list.

Cotton said in a statement he was “honored” Trump named him on a list of potential Supreme Court candidates, and indicated he would accept a nomination to the court. 

“I’m honored that President Trump asked me to consider serving on the Supreme Court and I’m grateful for his confidence. I will always heed the call of service to our nation,” Cotton said in a statement. 

“The Supreme Court could use some more justices who understand the difference between applying the law and making the law, which the Court does when it invents a right to an abortion, infringes on religious freedom, and erodes the Second Amendment,” he added. 

After the list was announced, Hawley tweeted that he has “no interest in the high court,” adding “I look forward to confirming constitutional conservatives.”

In June the Supreme Court struck down a Louisiana abortion law in a 5-4 decision, with Chief Justice John Roberts joining the court’s four liberals. Several states have passed restrictive abortion bans that have been challenged in court.

Anti-abortion groups have highlighted the importance of the upcoming election after the Supreme Court’s June ruling, and both Democrats and Republicans have made the high court a campaign issue.

Abortion rights advocates have also underscored the importance of November’s election. Jenny Lawson, executive director of Planned Parenthood Votes, slammed Trump’s list of potential court nominees in a statement. 

“Today’s shortlist confirms Trump and his anti-abortion allies in Congress want to place justices on the Supreme Court who will overturn Roe v. Wade, restrict safe, legal abortion, and undermine your civil and reproductive rights. And with another term, he may get the chance to do just that,” Lawson said in a statement. 

“Promising to appoint even more justices solely because of their opposition to abortion rights is an untenable political position. Planned Parenthood Votes will make sure people understand the courts, their health, and their rights are on the line this November,” Lawson added. 

Updated at 8:15 p.m.