GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Ted Cruz has always talked about the Supreme Court as a candidate for president, but it's become the new focal point of his White House bid following the weekend death of Justice Antonin Scalia.

The Texas senator has recast his stump speech to highlight the importance of appointing what he called the right kind of justices to the Supreme Court.

Cruz argued before the Supreme Court nine times by age 40. He says that gives him alone "the background, the principle, the character, the judgment" to find a solid conservative to replace Scalia.

The Texas senator also has vowed to filibuster any nominees offered by President Barack Obama, saying one more liberal Supreme Court justice could wipe out state-level abortion restrictions while undermining religious liberty and curtailing gun ownership.

 

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