'It's humbling': Cruz turns down possible SCOTUS nomination, prefers to stay in Senate
Ben Marquis
A large number of President Donald Trump's supporters cite his contributions to the federal judiciary as a central reason that they believe he deserves a second term in the White House.
He addressed that issue recently by releasing an updated list of individuals he would consider as potential nominees in the case that a vacancy on the nation's highest court opens during the next four years, but U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) confirmed this week that he does not wish to be included, as reported by the Washington Times.
"Principled constitutional justices"
Cruz made the announcement during an interview during Fox News Channel's "Sunday Morning Futures" this week.
He told host Maria Bartiromo that he was honored to be considered but would prefer to remain in the political trenches of elected office. Near the end of the on-air appearance, she asked him directly if he wanted the lifetime appointment.
"You know, I don't," Cruz replied. "It's deeply honoring. It's humbling to be included in the list. I'm grateful that the president has that confidence in me, but it's not the desire of my heart."
Nevertheless, he said he wants "to be in the political fight" where he can fight "to nominate and confirm three, four, five principled constitutional justices."
Although not a sitting judge, the Times explained that his Harvard law degree, adjunct professorship at the University of Texas School of Law, and service as Texas' solicitor general prior to becoming a senator gives him the credentials to serve on the nation's highest court.
"Fighting right where I am"
"But that's not where I want to serve," Cruz explained. "I want to stay fighting right where I am in the U.S. Senate."
He is not the only individual on Trump's list to address the news.
"I'm honored that President Trump asked me to consider serving on the Supreme Court and I'm grateful for his confidence," wrote Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) in a statement. "I will always heed the call of service to our nation."
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-CO), on the other hand, said he had "no interest" in the position.
No matter which contender might ultimately make the final cut, Trump's list of possible justices might be enough to convince many undecided voters to cast their votes for him in November.
Ben Marquis is a staff writer for Patriot News Alerts.
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