Not surprisingly, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) Monday signaled his profound disapproval of President Donald J. Trump’s choice to fill a vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court.

“With Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination, it’s clear that President Trump stuck to the litmus test he laid out when he pledged to only choose Supreme Court nominees who believe that Roe v. Wade should be overturned and abortion be made illegal in this country,” Menendez said in a statement.

“As a member of the United States Senate, I take my constitutional responsibility to advise and consent seriously, just as I take my responsibility to defend the interests and ideals of New Jersey families seriously,” New Jersey’s senior senator added. “I cannot support a nominee culled from the rightwing wish lists of the Heritage Foundation and the Federalist Society.  We need a Justice who will follow the rule of law not the rule of Trump, especially when the future of reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, voting rights, workers’ rights, and the civil rights of all Americans are on the line.

“We have arrived at such a pivotal moment in our nation’s history because the Republican Majority brazenly orchestrated the theft of a Supreme Court seat in order tip the scales of justice against women and voters, consumers and patients, immigrants, and everyday workers for generations to come.”

Menendez is running in the November general election against Republican n0minee Bob HUgin.

“Voters should have the opportunity to weigh in on the future of the Supreme Court this November, but we know that Republicans cannot afford to give them that chance. That’s why it will be up to Americans in every corner of this country to make their voices heard starting today and let every member of the Senate know that a vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh is a vote to make abortion illegal, end protections for patients with pre-existing conditions, and further rig our justice system in favor of rich and powerful corporate interests.”