High court mulls case of legal advice, deportation

WASHINGTON — A showdown loomed over President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee Tuesday as the number of Democrats opposing Judge Neil Gorsuch grew to more than 25. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., pledged Gorsuch would be confirmed next week regardless of the Democratic opposition.

Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the No. 2 Senate Democrat, was joined Tuesday by more than six other senators who announced their intention to vote against Gorsuch.

Republicans defended Gorsuch, with Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, calling him an “incredibly well-qualified judge” and urging Democrats to allow an up-or-down vote.

McConnell told reporters that, one way or another, Gorsuch would be confirmed April 7. “We’re going to get Judge Gorsuch confirmed,” he said.