Democrats Can Replace Feinstein on Key Senate Panel If She Resigns: Graham

Are you ready for some political drama? A top Republican senator has suggested that Democrats could regain a majority on a key Senate committee if Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) resigns. Feinstein has been away from Washington for months due to shingles, leaving Democrats with the same number of votes on the Senate Judiciary Committee as Republicans. The GOP rejected an effort to temporarily replace her, but if Feinstein steps down, Democrats would be able to replace her, according to Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).

“If she does resign, I would be in the camp of following the precedent of the Senate replacing the person, consistent with what we have done in the past,” Graham said on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

But Graham hopes Feinstein returns to the Senate, calling her “a wonderful person” and “a very effective senator.” However, dozens of groups in California have urged Feinstein to resign, saying that the state needs a daily voice now more than ever. Feinstein has resisted calls to resign so far but hasn’t said when she will return to Washington.

Votes for Biden Nominees

Meanwhile, the Senate Judiciary Committee is considering each of President Joe Biden’s nominees for judicial vacancies. A simple majority advances a candidate, so stay tuned for updates on who makes the cut.