Using team letterhead, Denver Broncos General Manager John Elway wrote to the United States Senate Judiciary Committee to vouch for Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Judge Neil Gorsuch.
On Monday, the Senate Judiciary Committee began consideration of Judge Gorsuch’s nomination to the Supreme Court. Gorsuch is a Colorado native and currently serves as a Judge on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, issuing rulings for Colorado and its surrounding states. “It is with my highest recommendation that I support Judge Neil Gorsuch’s nomination to the United States Supreme Court,” Elway began in his letter. He continued,“A native of Colorado, Neil has demonstrated tremendous intelligence, character and fairness while serving for more than a decade on the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. His credentials, integrity and sound moral compass are major reasons why he’s already received so much bipartisan support for his nomination. Neil is a big Denver Broncos fan, and I can tell you that I’m a big fan of his. I look forward to having Neil Gorsuch, one of our own from the great state of Colorado, as the nest Supreme Court Justice.”Super Bowl MVPs and NFL General Managers usually don’t inject themselves into Supreme Court nominations. However, many in Colorado are rallying around the President’s nominee, eager to see a Coloradan on the country’s highest court. If confirmed, Judge Gorsuch will be
In addition to serving as a Supreme Court Justice, Byron White was an accomplished professional football running back. In 1938 and 1940, White led the NFL in rushing yards playing for Pittsburgh and Detroit, respectively. Not only was Byron White one of the league’s best running backs, but he played professional football while simultaneously attending Yale Law School. His football career was cut short when he joined the United States Navy in 1942. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1954.
A modern tradition, Gorsuch was introduced by his home state's Senators – Cory Gardner (R) and Michael Bennett (D) – during his confirmation hearing on Monday. Both Senators praised Judge Neil Gorsuch and his commitment to the separation of powers and an independent judiciary.
“Judge Gorsuch has a deep appreciation and respect for the constitution and the separation of powers prescribed by our founding fathers,” Senator Gardner proclaimed in his opening remarks. “As he stated, a firm and independent judiciary is critical to a well functioning Democracy.”
Senator Michael Bennett mirrored those sentiments, saying, “Judge Gorsuch has profound respect for an independent judiciary and the vital role it plays as a check on the Executive and Legislative branches.”
Barring any unforeseen changes, Judge’s Gorsuch will receive a full Senate confirmation vote during the first week in April. At least eight Senate Democrats will have to support Gorsuch in order for the confirmation to be approved under the current rules. If the vote falls short, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is expected to use the “nuclear option” and change the Senate rules to lower the required vote threshold from 60 to 51.
