Ohio's Rob Portman Endorses Supreme Court Nominee Neil Gorsuch

WASHINGTON D.C. - Senator Rob Portman voiced his support of Supreme Court Nominee Neil Gorusch on Wednesday. The senator said he would support Gorsuch's confirmation because he believes the nominee would "fairly and impartially apply the law."

Portman met with Gorsuch on Wednesday, prior to his announcement. During the meeting, Portman says he and Gorsuch discussed a number of important issues. He said on social media that he does not believe Gorsuch will try to legislate from the bench, but will simply protect the Constitution.

Portman's official statement on the meeting is below.

“Judge Gorsuch and I had an engaging and productive meeting, and I enjoyed the opportunity to discuss a number of important issues with him. I expressed my belief that the job of a Supreme Court justice is to fairly and impartially apply the law, and to protect the rights guaranteed by the Constitution, not to legislate from the bench. I believe that is exactly what he will do should he be confirmed to this important position. Judge Gorsuch has an outstanding record as a fair-minded, independent, and universally-respected judge, and, after today's meeting, I join others in offering him my support.”

In what is shaping up to be a politically divisive confirmation process, Ohio's other senator, Sherrod Brown, has already declared his opposition to Gorsuch. Brown said Gorsuch's record of rulings on women's rights, corporate rights, union rights, LGBTQ rights, and other issues swayed his decision.

Nationally, the issue is already impacting Democratic senators in red states, who say they feel compelled to hold a confirmation hearing for Gorsuch and give the judge a fair shake at joining the Supreme Court. The New York Times reports that red state Democrats are caught between a suddenly vocal and active left base and the spending power of right wing organizations.

In Ohio, the battle between the two political sides - Democrats and Republicans - is pronounced. Portman declares Gorsuch to be a fair-minded judge with the apt ability to apply the Constitution fairly and evenly. Brown accuses Gorsuch of favoring corporate rights versus individual rights. If there's a grey area between the two sides, it's difficult to spot.

With Democrats potentially readying a filibuster, and Republicans threatening to alter the rules of filibustering, the judge's confirmation process could deepen the divide between the two parties.

Photo from Rob Portman's Office