Just hours — and in some cases, minutes — after President Donald Trump unveiled his pick for the Supreme Court, Republicans and Democrats staked out clear positions on Brett Kavanaugh. He’s either the most brilliant choice for the high court or the most dangerous one.
And Hatch has played it as long as anyone. He’s a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and formerly the chairman. He’s played a leading role in the confirmations of every sitting justice, including Anthony Kennedy, whose retirement led to this opening.
Last year, Hatch was one of the most vocal cheerleaders for Trump’s first nominee, Neil Gorsuch, whose confirmation came with a predictably near party-line vote.