Missouri US Sen. Blunt won't meet with Obama court nominee

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt says he has no plans to meet with President Barack Obama's nominee for the Supreme Court, though nearly 20 other Republican senators have said they are willing to do so.

Blunt told reporters on a conference call Wednesday that he sees no need to meet with appeals Judge Merrick Garland because he doesn't believe Garland should be confirmed.

Obama nominated Garland last month after the death of Justice Antonin Scalia.

Blunt says voters should have a say in process through the presidential election. He says the Senate should not confirm any Supreme Court nominee before Obama's term ends in January 2017. Blunt says the new president should get to nominate Scalia's replacement.

Blunt also is up for re-election this year.