Supreme Court meets for first time since Scalia’s death

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court is meeting for the first time since the death of Justice Antonin Scalia, as speculation swirls over a potential successor.

President Barack Obama has vowed to nominate a candidate to take Scalia’s seat, but Senate Republicans have pledged to block anyone Obama puts forward. Backed by their party’s presidential contenders, Republicans have said the choice should await the next president.

Eight justices are expected to take the bench at 10 a.m. EST Monday and resume the court’s work. Scalia died in Texas on Feb. 13. He was buried on Saturday.

Justice Clarence Thomas said last week that “it is hard to imagine the court” without Scalia, who served as a justice for nearly 30 years.