And, it's a very interesting one indeed. Orin Hatch! He would be seen as an 'olive branch appointment', but wouldn't last that long, due to his age, so would soon be replaced. It would be difficult for the Republicans to refuse a hearing for him. They still may not vote him in. But, that would show the nation what little respect the Republicans have for the Presidency and the SC.

Given that, since McConnell has said there would be no hearings for an Obama appointment, throwing in the first grenade, I see no reason for him not to throw it right back by choosing a nominee, who if not given a hearing, could blow up in McConnell's face, and motivate even more Dems. to vote. JMHO!

P.S. In my readings, there is a tendency to not differentiate between refusing hearings for a nominee vs. not having a Senate floor vote vs. voting a nominee down. The differences are huge. But, no matter what, if the Republicans do choose to vote for Obama's nominee, the Dems. can point back to McConnell's statement, rejecting hearings, as evidence that the arguments used to not approve the appointment are bogus.