NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- President Trump met on Monday with Judge Amy Coney Barrett, a federal appellate judge and Notre Dame law professor, who is widely considered a front-runner in the search to replace Justice Ruth Ginsburg, Fox News reported, citing sources.
Word of the pair's meeting came just hours after Trump told reporters on the South Lawn, "I would say on Friday or Saturday I'll be announcing the pick. It's -- five women are being looked at and vetted very carefully. Five. And we'll make a decision probably Saturday, but Friday or Saturday."
Trump said he he would speak with some of the possible contenders but "meet with a few, probably" in person.
When asked if he had spoken to any of them, he said, "I have ... Today and yesterday, the day before."
Trump echoed his previous remarks that he wants the nomination of his justice pick to go through ahead of the election.
"Well, I'd much rather have a vote before the election because there's a lot of work to be done, and I'd much rather have it," he said. "And we have plenty of time to do it. I mean, there's really a lot of time."
He added, "So let's say I make the announcement on Saturday — there's a great deal of time before the election. That'll be up to Mitch in the Senate. But I'd certainly much rather have the vote. I think it sends a good signal. And it's solidarity and lots of other things. And I'm just doing my constitutional obligation. I have an obligation to do this. So I would rather see it before the election."
