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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is urging the Republican-led Senate not to let a fierce and partisan political climate quash the nomination of a "serious man." The president sent Merrick Garland's Supreme Court nomination to the Senate this morning, calling him one of the nation's top legal minds and a consensus builder on the bench. Obama says allowing the Supreme Court confirmation process to become an extension of the presidential race would be wrong, adding: "This is precisely the time when we should play it straight."
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says the American people should have a voice in filling the Supreme Court vacancy. So, he's sticking by his stand that the Senate will not consider President Barack Obama's nominee, Merrick Garland, to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia. In a speech on the Senate floor, the Kentucky Republican said the issue is about process, not the person, and the Senate will wait until after the next president is in place.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Fox News is scheduled to host the next Republican presidential debate in Utah Monday, but Donald Trump says he won't be there. And, if that's the case, John Kasich's campaign says the Ohio governor won't be there either. Trump says he's committed to making a big speech the same night, adding "we've had enough debates." Kasich's spokesman says if Trump changes his mind, Kasich will too. There's been no word on the matter from Ted Cruz.
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Paul Ryan is responding quickly to suggestions that he could emerge from a contested Republican Party convention as the GOP presidential nominee. Earlier today, former House Speaker John Boehner (BAY'-nur) said he'd support Ryan if Republicans can't nominate one of the candidates at the convention. But Ryan's spokeswoman says "he is not interested" and "will not accept a nomination."
SEATTLE (AP) — A Seattle hospital is urging more than 1,300 patients to get tested for hepatitis and HIV after a former surgery technician was charged with stealing and swapping syringes. KIRO-TV reports that Rocky Allen has pleaded not guilty to federal charges alleging he took syringes of painkillers and replaced them with others containing another substance. The 28-year-old was arrested in Colorado last month. Northwest Hospital and Medical Center says the exposure risk is low, but it's testing affected patients to be safe.
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