[billyboy15]

“The GOP is in control by 53 to 47, but Murkowski of Alaska has said she won’t vote on a nominee before the election. So that brings us down to 52.”

Murkowski said she wouldn’t vote BEFORE the election which leaves her open to vote AFTER the election . Trump is President until January 17th and the Republicans have 75 days after the election to fill that position and I have no doubt whatsoever it will be filled by a Republican.

Even tho I am convinced Trump will win, if by some chance he doesn’t there is even a greater likelihood the Senate fills that position before the inauguration.

[Political Junkie Too]

If McSally loses in Arizona, she will be replaced immediately upon certification of the vote because she was a temporary appointment to fill a vacancy.

That will bring the count back down to 52.

-PJ

[NittanyLion]

“ Murkowski said she wouldn’t vote BEFORE the election which leaves her open to vote AFTER the election.”

I suspect the gambit here is to nominate a justice and hold hearings prior to the election, in anticipation of a confirmation post Election Day. Then the democrats are faced with a choice as to whether they attack like rabid dogs (and generate very bad optics) or hold their fire and let the nominee sail through the confirmation hearing.

That leaves the door open to confirm post Election Day no matter the election result, and puts the democrats in a bind during the hearings.