La Quinta, United States : US President Barack Obama extended condolences to the family of Supreme Court justice Antonin Scalia Saturday, as news of his death sent ripples through US politics.
Obama was informed about the unexpected passing of the conservative justice as he was golfing with friends in California.
"The president and first lady extend their deepest condolences to Justice Scalia's family," said White House spokesman Eric Schultz.
Scalia's death sets up a monumental political fight during an already heated election campaign.
But Republicans who control the Senate -- which must approve Obama's nominee -- immediately drew battle lines.
The election will take place in November and a new president will be sworn in in January.
"Therefore, this vacancy should not be filled until we have a new president."
The Supreme Court has played a significant role in US politics in recent years.
More recently it paved the way for non-governmental groups to pour money into election campaigns.
During Obama's administration, the court has been asked to rule on a series of executive orders, which were designed to bypass Congressional opposition.
Just this week the court froze the implementation of a major White House effort to cut carbon emissions, after a Republican legal challenge.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Obama was informed about the unexpected passing of the conservative justice as he was golfing with friends in California.
"The president and first lady extend their deepest condolences to Justice Scalia's family," said White House spokesman Eric Schultz.
Scalia's death sets up a monumental political fight during an already heated election campaign.
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But Republicans who control the Senate -- which must approve Obama's nominee -- immediately drew battle lines.
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The election will take place in November and a new president will be sworn in in January.
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"Therefore, this vacancy should not be filled until we have a new president."
Advertisement
The Supreme Court has played a significant role in US politics in recent years.
Advertisement
More recently it paved the way for non-governmental groups to pour money into election campaigns.
During Obama's administration, the court has been asked to rule on a series of executive orders, which were designed to bypass Congressional opposition.
Just this week the court froze the implementation of a major White House effort to cut carbon emissions, after a Republican legal challenge.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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