Could Former Gov. Patrick Replace Scalia on Supreme Court?

By MIKE CARRAGGI (Patch Staff)

BOSTON, MA - Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick’s name has been floated as a potential nominee for a U.S. Supreme Court seat.

President Barack Obama will look to appoint a replacement for Justice Antonin Scalia, who died Saturday. It is expected the Republican-controlled Senate will block any of his nominations.

Nonetheless, Patrick’s name was reported by multiple outlets as a possible Obama pick. Patrick has been rumored for several positions in the Obama administration in the past.

The Washington Post says Patrick, a fellow Democrat, may be Obama’s choice as the ”best man for the job,” citing their similar views. The Los Angeles Times also sees Patrick as a candidate.

Two years ago, Patrick toyed with the idea of running for president in 2016, holding fundraisers for Democrats in New Hampshire. He ultimately decided against a run.

Last fall, his name was floated as a possible vice presidential contender for the Democrats.

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat who represents Massachusetts, has blasted the Republicans’ plan to block an Obama pick.

Scalia was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court by President Ronald Reagan in 1986 and served as a reliably conservative lightning rod throughout his tenure. He was found dead Saturday at a luxury resort in West Texas.