Story highlights The decision is a major gamble for GOP leaders

A potential Clinton presidency could try to push forward a younger and more progressive nominee

Washington (CNN) Senate Republican leaders are sending a blunt message to Merrick Garland: You aren't getting on the Supreme Court this year -- not even if Hillary Clinton wins in November.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and his chief deputy, John Cornyn, both insisted this week that GOP leaders won't take up President Barack Obama's choice of Garland in an end-of-year session, no matter what happens in the November elections.

"We've already made it very clear that a nomination for the Supreme Court by this president will not be filled this year," McConnell said when asked if he'd take up Garland in a lame-duck session of Congress if Clinton wins.

"No," Cornyn told CNN when asked if there was any possibility the GOP would consider Garland in the lame-duck session.

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