Manchin hears from West Virginia residents on Supreme Court nominee

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- President Obama's Supreme Court nominee Merrick garland was the topic of conversation Thursday in Charleston as U.S. Senator Joe Manchin D- W.Va. talked with constituents at a town hall meeting.

Manchin says he wants to take questions and concerns for Merrick Garland straight to the nominee himself when he meets with him in April.

"I spoke to him on the phone a couple of days ago setting up a meeting on April 5th when I go back, and I said Judge Garland when I come back I a look forward to our meeting. I am going to bring to you concerns West Virginians have and I would like for you to try and answer them and I will come back and explain to West Virginia his answers they might not be acceptable."

This town hall meeting is assuming that Garland, who is currently the nominee, will have a confirmation hearing.

Republican majority leader Mitch McConnell says the Senate won't consider a nominee until there is a new President.

"My hope is should there be a vote our Senator would not vote for him," explained Blair Hills who attended the meeting, "because he tends to vote with the rule making with the rule makers and agencies. Our state has in front of it in the supreme court a today a significant lawsuit along with 28 other states about the rule making of the EPA.

"I am for confirmation of Judge Garland, Anthony Majestro, who attended the meeting, said. " I believe that Judge Garland has shown that he has the qualifications to be a justice of the Supreme Court. He was confirmed by an overwhelming majority to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals which is what most people think is the second highest court in the country and has now risen to be the chief judge of that court"

Manchin has said he wants to hear from people from West Virginia before he decides on whether or not to vote to confirm Garland's nomination.