Barack Obama has nominated politically moderate jurist Merrick Garland for the vacant seat on the US Supreme Court, following the death of Antonin Scalia.
A major political battle is brewing, as Congressional Republicans have already vowed to block the President's nominee indefinitely.
Supreme Court Justice Scalia was a strong conservative and his absence has led to a court that's about equally divided on the political fence; if Merrick Garland is confirmed, he will have the power to tip that balance.
Mr. Garland currently serves as the chief judge of the US Court of Appeals in the District of Columbia - a position he was confirmed for with overwhelming bipartisan support.
President Obama says Merrick Garland is the right man for the job.
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President Obama made the announcement:
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President Obama implored Republicans to give Merrick Garland a fair shot.
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