Judge Merrick Garland is not “…nothing more than a partisan Liberal…” as stated in an April 12 letter. On the contrary, his record as judge of the D. C. Circuit Court has been praised by both parties. He can be labeled a centrist. Only an extreme conservative would label him liberal. Fourteen presidents have appointed 21 candidates during their last year in office. Six lame duck presidents filled Supreme Court vacancies even though their successors had been elected. Since 1900 only three times has a Supreme Court Justice died during a president’s last year, and one a lame duck president, and all made nominations. It seems to me if there is a precedent, it is, there should be a nomination, and Congress should advise and consent as stated in the Constitution. Finally, it is the obstructionist Republican Party that is playing politics at the expense of the will of the people.

Mark A. Young, Hendersonville

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