The merchants like him: The Retail Industry Leaders Association has publicly urged the Senate to confirm Supreme Court nominee Judge Neil Gorsuch — calling him “eminently qualified.”

The trade organization represents 200 major retailers, manufacturers and service providers who account for $1.5 trillion in annual sales. The group’s membership includes the CEOs and presidents of such household names as AutoZone, Petco, Target, Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Coca-Cola, Intel, Gap, Walgreens, IKEA, Costco, Carmax, J Crew, 7-Eleven, Rite Aid, Dollar General, CVS, Foot Locker, Best Buy, IBM, Wegman’s, Whole Foods, Cracker Barrel, Nike, Staples — the impressive list goes on.

“The U.S. Supreme Court has been hindered in its ability to decide cases of national importance because of the vacancy that has existed on the Court for more than one year. Judge Gorsuch is as eminently qualified a jurist today, as he was when he was confirmed for his present service on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals without a single dissenting vote,” said Sandy Kennedy, president of the trade group, which is based in the nation’s capital.

“We urge Senators to acknowledge Judge Gorsuch’s credentials and confirm him to the Court to ensure our constitutional system of checks and balances is fully restored,” she said.

Mr. Gorsuch has other fans. Recent editorials from 58 news organizations in 30 states supporting his nomination.

“While praising Judge Gorsuch, these people have also encouraged Democrats in the Senate to give Judge Gorsuch a fair hearing and an up-or-down vote, asking that they set politics aside and approve Gorsuch to the Supreme Court,” the Republican National Committee noted after reviewing the editorial support.

In addition, 60 national and state pro-life groups have banded together and sent a feisty letter to all members of the U.S. Senate, advising that “Judge Gorsuch is made for such a time as this.”

The big coalition includes National Right for Life, Susan B. Anthony List, Family Research Council, Concerned Women for America, Live Action, Judicial Crisis Network, Priests for Life, March for Life, American Principles Project, American Values — and 50 more.

Sign up for Daily Newsletters Manage Newsletters

Copyright © 2020 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.