Also, wouldn't it be in the GOPs best interest to hold off the vacancy until after the election (at the earliest)?
If Republicans hold off until January, increased turnout among both parties could cancel out over who picks RBGs replacement.
If Republicans confirm a nominee by next month, maxed out turnout among angry Democrats and the GOP lose the biggest carrot they could dangle for on-the-fence Moderates (If Moderates care about nominating conservative judges). And what would Republicans turn out for at that point?
And "they'll squeeze a nominee through regardless" doesn't answer my question
In a sense, yes, electorally I think waiting makes the most sense. But when there is an opportunity to take the courts for a generation, maybe McConnell and company will be willing to take a few big hits.
It's probable, but I do think that a lot of these Senators realize that the more they make a mockery of the law, the more they drive the Democratic Party to extremes. They must recognize that there is a very real possibility that if they hijack a 6-3 majority on the Supreme Court, then even the most moderate of Democrats will be on board for dramatically reworking SCOTUS.
