This week the Republican presidential field has been cut down to three and the battle over the Supreme Court intensifies.
President Obama named D.C. Court of Appeals judge Merrick Garland as his nominee to replace the late Antonin Scalia.
Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will make the rounds to discuss why the GOP will not confirm anyone this year. And Obama’s chief of staff Denis McDonough will make the administration’s case for confirming Garland as soon as possible.
Gov. John Kasich (R-Ohio), coming off a big win is home state of Ohio, goes five-for-five on the Sunday circuit for the second week in a row. He’ll say why Senate Republicans should at least meet with Garland, according to a clip of his “Face the Nation” interview that dropped a day early.
The move is a major departure from the party’s stance. Only one GOP senator, Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) has called for a confirmation vote on the judge.
Here’s the rest of the lineup:
ABC’s “This Week:” Donald Trump and Kasich discuss their campaigns ahead of key primaries in Arizona and Utah. McConnell and McDonough will both make their case about the best way forward with the Supreme Court vacancy.
CBS’ “Face the Nation:” Sanders and Kasich discuss their campaigns’ strategies in the face of growing odds against them. Sen. Lindesey Graham (R-S.C.) talks about his endorsement of Ted Cruz despite the history between them.
CNN’s “State of the Union:” Kasich continues making the rounds. McConnell and Priebus discuss the GOP’s approach to the Supreme Court vacancy.
“Fox News Sunday:” McDonough again makes his case for confirming Garland, while McConnell continues his Sunday rounds laying out why the vacancy should be filled by the next president. Kasich discusses his path forward.
NBC’s “Meet the Press:” Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid will talk about Senate Democrats’ plans to move Garland’s confirmation forward and McConnell discusses why they won’t get very far. Kasich has another appearance discussing his campaign.