Governor Doug Burgum Urges “Swift Confirmation” of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum joined twenty-three other Republican Governors in urging a “swift confirmation” of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court. A letter was sent to Senators Mitch McConnell, Lindsey Graham, Diane Fienstein, and Chuck Schumer declaring support for President Trump’s nominee. Will it open Burgum up to questions on specific issues before the Court?

“Swift confirmation” was the description used by the Republican Governor’s Association. Burgum is obviously a member of the association. I’ve noted before Burgum has been absent on other Republican Governor issued letters. The most glaring absence was refusing to sign a letter in defense of ethanol. That makes it all the more interesting he determined to place his name on this letter, at this time.

This could open Burgum up to answering what he would like to see done with health care and protections for people with pre-existing conditions. His party refused to place state protections into law just last session. SCOTUS may be poised to overturn the ACA in its entirety. Some of the social issues Burgum supported before becoming a Republican Governor also raises some points of conflict that could be explored.

By all accounts, this nomination will move forward and Barrett will be placed on the SCOTUS. We knew Kevin Cramer would be all in on anybody Trump offered. It didn’t matter who Trump selected. John Hoeven proved his word means nothing when he refused to live up to his own position from 2016. Now, Burgum is throwing his support behind a “swift confirmation.” Will it impact his well-known aspirations for higher office down the road? He’s proving he can be a team-player by signing this letter.