"Most Democrats refused to support Gorsuch because they were still seething over the Republican blockade last year of President Barack Obama’s pick for the same seat, Merrick Garland. Senate Republicans refused to even hold a hearing for Garland, saying a high court replacement should be up to the next president."

the ex-potus, obama, wanted to put in a justice who exemplifies his character and "legacy" (which might be questionable to some) before being put out to "pasture".  at this point, there was no telling how the election would turn out.  therefore the first sentence stands.  obama just wanted to fulfill some self-fulfilling demagoguery for some reason!  

the republicans, on the other hand, also had no knowledge of how the election would turn out either.  at best theirs was a hope and a prayer given all the pollster prognostications.  therefore trying to save the spot open for the new administration was nothing more than that - leaving the choice open for the incoming admin.