Gregory Korte

USA TODAY

President Obama said Saturday he would attempt to fill the Supreme Court vacancy left by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia, defying Senate Republicans who have said he should leave that responsibility to the next president in 2017.

"Obviously, today is a time to remember Justice Scalia's legacy. I plan to fulfill my constitutional responsibilities to nominate a successor in due time," he said. "There will be plenty of time for me to do so and for the Senate to fulfill its responsibility to give that person a fair hearing and a timely vote."

Obama was informed of Scalia's death Saturday afternoon while golfing in Palm Springs, Calif. The president is in California for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit next week.

Addressing reporters just hours later, Obama said Scalia was a "larger than life presence on the bench, a brilliant legal mind with an energetic style, an incisive wit and colorful opinions."

"He will no doubt be remembered as one of the most consequential judges and thinkers to serve on the Supreme Court," Obama said. "Tonight we join his fellow justices in mourning this incredible man."

But no sooner had Obama reacted to Scalia's death than Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell suggested the Senate would not consider any nominee Obama makes. “The American people? should have a voice in the selection of their next Supreme Court Justice. Therefore, this vacancy should not be filled until we have a new president," McConnell said.

Republicans already opposing any Obama Supreme Court nomination

First Take: Justice Scalia's death will trigger lengthy battle over replacement

Obama, a former constitutional law professor, said he has a duty to make a nomination, and the Senate has a duty to consider it.

"These are responsibilities that I take seriously, as should everyone. They're bigger than any one party. They are about our democracy. They're about the institution to which Justice Scalia dedicated his professional life, and making sure it continues to function as the beacon of justice that our founders envisioned," he said.

Obama has had a mixed record with the Supreme Court, where Scalia was a consistent and passionate conservative voice. The court has twice upheld key provisions of the Affordable Care Act, and legalized gay marriage in all 50 states. But just last week, the court also blocked implementation of the Obama administration's Clean Power Plan.

Scalia's death also comes as the high court is scheduled to hear arguments on whether Obama exceeded his constitutional authority by deferring deportations for millions of immigrants who entered or remained in the country illegally.

More on the death of Justice Scalia:

Justice Scalia found dead at Texas ranch

Five notable dissents from Justice Antonin Scalia

GOP hopefuls at debate react to Scalia death

Who could replace Scalia? Here are 10 names