US Supreme Court Vacancy Raises Stakes for Second Tillis-Cunningham Debate

In this March 2, 2020, file photo Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., speaks during a campaign rally for President Donald Trump in Charlotte, N.C. State election officials certified the election results Tuesday, sealing Trump and Tillis' victories in the divided state. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn, File)

By Associated Press

September 22, 2020

Expect Tillis to be challenged by Cunningham for a Supreme Court confirmation that could drastically impact health care access.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The U.S. Supreme Court vacancy created by the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg will likely get attention in Tuesday’s debate between Republican Sen. Thom Tillis and Democrat Cal Cunningham.

Cunningham and Tillis will hold their second televised debate at a Raleigh television studio four days after Ginsburg died at age 87.

RELATED: With RBG Gone, the Affordable Care Act Faces Its Greatest Threat Yet.

Tillis has aligned with most Republicans in calling for a swift vote on President Donald Trump’s upcoming nominee, even with the president’s reelection and the partisan balance of the Senate come January uncertain. Trump has said he’s got a handful of finalists and plans to unveil his decision by Saturday.

Cunningham has sided with other Democrats in demanding a successor not be considered until the next presidential term begins.

The two candidates clashed in last week’s TV debate over the federal COVID-19 response and their trust in a quickly approved vaccine. A third debate is scheduled for Oct. 1.