"They lost the election. They knew this was going to be a big deal if they won, and the Republicans would pretty well have to go along with whoever they chose," Hatch, a former Judiciary Committee chairman, said from the Senate floor.

He added that Trump couldn't have picked a "better qualified" nominee, adding: "So what's all the whining about?"

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With Gorsuch's nomination coming to the Senate floor next week, senators are stepping up their rhetorical warfare over the nominee and using the "nuclear option" to change the Senate's rules if Democrats filibuster his nomination.

Thirty-two Democrats have announced they will oppose Gorsuch's nomination, according to The Hill's whip list , though a few have left the door open to helping him get over the 60-vote procedural hurdle.

Hatch — repeating a frequent GOP talking point — argued on Wednesday that Democratic opposition is tied to lingering bitterness over losing the 2016 presidential election.

"I know what's wrong with the Democrats on this. They lost, and it's hard thing for them and I don't blame them. It is a hard thing because they were so sure that they would control this nominee to the Supreme Court," he said.

The Senate's top Democrat added that it's a "false narrative" that senators have to change the rules if his conference blocks Gorsuch's nomination.

"The majority's trying to make this a binary choice, confirm Gorsuch or change the rules, not so. Just not so," he said. "If the majority chooses to go that route, they do so at their own volition. No one is forcing them to do so."