White House considers Nevada Gov. Sandoval for Supreme Court

The White House is considering Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval of Nevada as a possible candidate for the Supreme Court, two people familiar with the process said on Wednesday.

The appointment of a Republican would be seen as an attempt by President Barack Obama to break the blockade Senate GOP any of its options. Majority Leader of the Senate, Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., Said his 54 members of the GOP caucus opposes holding confirmation hearings or voting on election of Obama, insisting that the choice rests with the next president.

Officials declined to be identified because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

Mari San Martin Sandoval communications director, said Wednesday that the governor has not been contacted by the White House.

"Neither the governor nor his staff Sandoval has been contacted by or spoken with the Obama administration regarding any vetting potential for the vacancy on the Supreme Court of the United States," he said.

Sandoval met with Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid on Monday in Washington, while in town for a meeting of the National Governors Association.

At the meeting of the governors over the weekend, Sandoval said he felt honored his name was mentioned as a possible successor to the late Justice Antonin Scalia, but had heard nothing to think that the Democratic president is considering.

Before Sandoval, 52, became the first Hispanic governor, he was the first Hispanic federal judge in the state. He supports abortion rights, a position that could mitigate some jittery Democrats by appointing a Republican. But liberal groups quickly spoke out against the idea.

"Sandoval nominations to the Supreme Court not only would prevent grassroots organizations like Democracy for America to support the president in this fight for the nomination, could lead us to actively encourage Democratic senators to oppose his appointment," said Democracy for America.

Limited to two terms, Sandoval final term as governor expires in early 2019. It was announced last year he would not seek the seat of retiring Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., The minority leader of the Senate, in elections in November, a race in which Sandoval would have been a favorite.

"My heart is here. My heart is in my work," Sandoval said at the time.

Sandoval considering immediately passed the Senate race in Nevada, where candidates are vying to replace Reid, who is retiring. The Democratic Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto urged his Republican competitors to call hearings if Sandoval is selection.

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