Less than 48 hours after the death of Supreme Court Justice Scalia, Senator Rob Portman sided with partisan obstructionism, and issued a statement that he would not consider any nominee put forth from President Obama.

That tune has not changed. Though Portman agreed to meet with Judge Merrick Garland "as a courtesy" he continues to reiterate again and again that he will not consider Garland or any nominee this year.

Senator Portman's refusal to fulfill the Constitutional obligations of his office stands in stark contrast to his stated position in 2010: that the confirmation of judges was a "solemn responsibility" of the U.S. Senate.

If Portman and other Senate obstructionists get their way, there will be a vacancy on the Highest Court for, at minimum, 11 months - probably longer. Meanwhile, the majority of Americans support confirmation hearings for nominee Judge Garland. And almost every Ohio newspaper has urged the same including: The Cincinnati Enquirer, The Columbus Dispatch, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, The Youngstown Vindicator, The Akron Beacon Journal and The Toledo Blade.

It's time for Senator Portman to stand up for his constituents and show true political leadership by calling on Republican Senate leadership to hold hearings and then to vote on whether or not to appoint this Supreme Court nominee.

Add your name to our petition to Senator Portman. Send him a message that we expect him to do his job, and proceed with the process outlined in the U.S. Constitution for appointing Justices to the Supreme Court.