DNC Issues Stern Warning: Obama WILL Nominate Supreme Court Justice

In an email issued today regarding the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia the DNC warned Republicans not to block Barack Obama's constitutional requirement to appoint a new Justice to the country's high court.

It reads:

Breaking news from the GOP debate stage:

In tonight's debate, the Republican presidential candidates were asked whether or not President Obama should nominate a new justice to the Supreme Court. They said Congress should block, delay, or otherwise refuse to allow the President to fill this vacancy. 

There's no excuse for this, Mary. It's putting partisan politics above the Constitution and the rule of law, and it's appalling to hear from any public official -- let alone someone who thinks he should be the next President of the United States.

And they're not alone. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell -- who is responsible for scheduling votes in the Senate -- has already said that "this vacancy should not be filled until we have a new President."

But no matter what Mitch McConnell says, President Obama is going to fulfill his constitutional obligation to nominate a successor to fill the vacant seat on the Supreme Court -- and that nominee deserves a fair hearing in the Senate.

While the President was on the course, the White House issued a statement from Deputy Press Secretary Eric Schultz.

"This afternoon the President was informed of the passing of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia," he said. "The President and First Lady extend their deepest condolences to Justice Scalia's family."

Schultz didn't say whether or not Obama interrupted his golf game after hearing the news but specified to reporters that the president would have additional reaction later in the day.