From a legal POV, can the republicans just leave the supreme court seat vacant until 2021+

And you would be wrong. Consistent, but wrong.

You do know people can see your previous posts, right?

He did say “IMHO”, which means it’s his opinion which is most important, not necessarily any justice’s opinion of which is most important.

Yes, I do. Some people might actually read what I actually wrote. Some might not. Life goes on.