Bettors Predict Amy Coney Barrett Supreme Court Vote Before November 3 Election

Posted on: October 12, 2020, 04:00h. 

Last updated on: October 13, 2020, 08:35h.

Political bettors are forecasting that the US Senate will vote on Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the Supreme Court before November 3.

Amy Coney Barrett Supreme Court odds 2020
Amy Coney Barrett began fielding questions today from the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding her nomination to the US Supreme Court of the United States. (Image: AP)

The Senate Judiciary Committee today began its hearings on Barrett’s appointment to the country’s highest court. After sitting silent through four hours of opening remarks from committee members, Barrett testified that she would rule based on the law — not her own beliefs.

“[Americans] deserve an independent Supreme Court that interprets our Constitution and laws as they are written,” Barrett said.

Courts have a vital responsibility to the rule of law, which is critical to a free society. But courts are not designed to solve every problem or right every wrong in our public life,” Barrett added.

Bettors on PredictIt believe she’s doing enough to warrant a vote on her becoming an associate justice of the Supreme Court.

“When will the Senate vote on confirmation of the next Supreme Court nominee?” has “Before November 3” the heavy favorite at 89 cents. “November 3 to January 2” is a distant second at 10 cents.

More than 13,000 shares of the market have been traded today.

Odds Shorten

The Democratic Party, which oddsmakers have favored to take control of the House, Senate, and presidency with 2020 nominee Joe Biden, are against the Senate moving forward with confirming Barret to the Supreme Court. But the GOP-controlled upper congressional chamber has the authority and power to put a third justice picked by Trump to the court.

The Senate Judiciary Committee commencing Barrett hearings has further shortened the odds of her becoming just the fifth woman to be installed as a member of the court. A week ago, shares of Barrett being voted on before Election Day were substantially lower at 73 cents.

Shares of a successful vote are also climbing. The favorite in the “How many ‘Yea’ votes will Coney Barrett receive in a confirmation vote by January 19?” is 51 votes, those shares trading at 51 cents, up six cents over the past 24 hours.

Republicans presently occupy 53 Senate seats, and the Democrats 45 seats. Two Senate members claims to be independent – Sen. Angus King of Maine and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont.

Timing is Everything

Senate Democrats says the GOP should delay the Supreme Court hearings until after the November 3 winners are decided.

“I believe we should not be moving forward on this nomination, not until the election has ended and the next president has taken office,” opined Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-California).

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) feels otherwise.

There’s nothing unconstitutional about this process. This is a vacancy that has occurred through the tragic loss of a great woman and we’re going to fill that vacancy with another great woman. The bottom line here is that the Senate is doing its duty constitutionally,” Graham declared.

No Supreme Court justice has ever been confirmed so close to a presidential election.

Protestors gathered outside the Senate today, disputing the Supreme Court hearings. Capitol Police said 22 people were arrested.