War for SCOTUS: SC Justice Antonin Scalia death has Republicans threatening to block Obama nominee

Following the death of Conservative US Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, a new focal point to the 2016 election year has emerged, as Republicans and Democrats argue over who should appoint his successor.
Scalia, 79, was found dead on Saturday morning at a luxury resort in Texas where he had been spending the weekend, Reuters reports.

The totally unexpected loss of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia is a massive setback for the Conservative movement and our COUNTRY!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) 13 февраля 2016

There has been an outpouring of grief and sadness for Scalia, who was appointed to the Court by President Ronald Reagan in 1986, with Chief Justice John Roberts calling him an “extraordinary individual and jurist.”

My thoughts and prayers are with Justice Scalia's family and his colleagues on the court who mourn his passing. pic.twitter.com/Y51xUMMEId

— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) 13 февраля 2016

“The president and first lady extend their deepest condolences to Justice Scalia’s family,” White House spokesman Eric Schultz said in a brief statement.

Justice Scalia was a defender of the constitution, an important conservative voice in the court. He will be missed. https://t.co/cOB3juvx7A

— Dr. Rand Paul (@RandPaul) 13 февраля 2016

These sentiments have been echoed by others in the party, including from Cruz’s rival Marco Rubio.

“The next president must nominate a justice who will continue Justice Scalia’s unwavering belief in the founding principles that we hold dear,” Rubio said in a statement.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell also rowed in behind Cruz and Rubio.

“The American people should have a voice in the selection of their next Supreme Court justice,” McConnell said in a statement. “Therefore, this vacancy should not be filled until we have a new president.”

Conn Carroll, communications director for Utah Republican Mike Lee, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, stated it would be almost impossible for Obama to successfully appoint a replacement for Scalia.