South Carolina’s federal delegation is standing behind Supreme Court justice Neil Gorsuch, who was sworn in Monday at the White House.
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., called the 49-year-old Gorsuch a “home run pick,” whose 54-45 confirmation affirms a conservative voice on the court to replace Antonin Scalia.
“His confirmation is a victory for conservatives in South Carolina and across the United States,” Graham said in a statement. “He was a home run pick, and President Trump could not have chosen a more qualified individual to serve on the highest court in the land.”
U.S. Rep. Jeff Duncan, R-Laurens, said Monday on Twitter that Trump’s choice of Gorsuch is “fulfilling a huge campaign promise.”
During a swing through the district Monday that included two stops in Greenwood, Duncan said he was “surprised” Senate Republicans used the nuclear option to affirm Gorsuch since he was unanimously appointed to lower courts.
“He’s going to hit the ground running. I think he’s a great addition to the court and I’ve thought that all along,” Duncan said. “The court’s made up of a balance and this was a conservative seat and I think he fulfills that. I was really surprised it took the nuclear option to get him confirmed because he was unanimously confirmed for the lower court.”
South Carolina’s junior senator, Tim Scott, said Gorsuch’s “phenomenal record” positions him for success on the country’s highest court.
“I walk away confident that we have made a great decision for America by confirming an exemplary man,” he said. “He has proven through his phenomenal record that he is dedicated to the rule of law and the right man for the job.”
Contact staff writer Adam Benson at 864-943-5650 or on Twitter @ABensonIJ.
