U.S President Elect Donald Trump's team led by Vice President-elect Mike Pence is reportedly to gently sussing out what it would take to win enough support to fill the vacant seat on the supreme court.
Republicans are reportedly aiming targets behind the scenes, on a mix of moderate-conservative Democrats and Democratic senators - who are keenly aware of the political reality for their colleagues, facing re-election next year in states where Trump won.
No.2 Senate Democrat Dick Durbin said that they are waiting to see a nominee and should the nominee is "not middle of the road", there will be resistance, and that he could not ever tells if Democrat "feels the same way", however it is enough for them to make the point, as reported by CNN.
Dublin also stated that some Democrats will break rank and that he is trying to head that off.
"That's always the question: Those who are vulnerable, in states that went strongly for Trump, you know, we've got to talk to them, make sure we understand their position," he said.
While Republicans have not flatly said they would break that filibuster through rules change known as the 'nuclear option', Democrats however have not firmly said if they will filibuster a nominee.
But the Trump team is still plotting for a possible climb that includes picking off at least eight Democrats, a tall order by any measure, much less a vacant seat on the Supreme Court.
The Vice President-elect who went on to work on a group with six senators at the Capitol Wednesday said last week that today was really about talking about Republicans' legislative agenda but also meeting with members of the senate to get their opinions on Trump's decision on filling the vacancy.
He hopes moderate Democrats will come on board with his pick, as according to him although Trump has not yet made a decision, they are in the process of winnowing the list now.
On Wednesday, Trump revealed that he has a list of 21 names he is considering - through advices from conservative judicial activist led by The Federal Society and Heritage Foundation.
To break any filibuster on a Supreme Court nominee, Republicans are eight votes shy of a 60-vote threshold needed.
However, many factors could swing the balance such as vulnerable Democrats seeking re-election in 2018.
