Nevada’s Gov. Brian Sandoval honored by mention about Supreme Court

WASHINGTON — The prospect of President Barack Obama’s nominating a Republican for the Supreme Court seems a long shot, but there’s been some talk in Washington about Nevada’s GOP governor, Brian Sandoval.

Sandoval says he’s honored to have his name mentioned as a potential successor for the late Justice Antonin Scalia, but says he’s heard nothing to think the Democratic president is considering him.

Sandoval — a former federal judge who supports abortion rights — isn’t saying whether he thinks the Senate should act on a nominee from Obama. Senate Republican leaders have said it should be up to the next president — who takes office in January 2017— to submit a nominee.

Sandoval spoke to The Associated Press on Saturday while attending the National Governors Association meeting in Washington.