Scalia’s death quickly fuels debate over timing of his replacement on U.S. Supreme Court

Longtime U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anton Scalia died overnight of natural causes at the age of 79 while vacationing in Texas.

The passing of the ultra-conservative judge leaves United States’ highest court with eight judges — four Republican nominees and four Democrats — and a huge headache in an election year.

Within hours of Scalia’s passing, there were cries issued from both sides over when a replacement judge should be nominated

U.S. President Barack Obama took to the airwaves to issue a stern warning to his Republican rivals while noting that he would be putting forth a nomination for replacement.

WATCH ABOVE: U.S. President Barack Obama makes statement on passing of Supreme Court Justice Anton Scalia

3:06 U.S. President Barack Obama statement on passing of Supreme Court Justice Anton Scalia

“I plan to fulfill my constitutional responsibilities to nominate a successor, in due time,” he explained. “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.

“These are responsibilities I take seriously as should everyone. They are bigger than any one party. They are about democracy.”

It remains to be seen if the Republicans can block an appointment but several key senators and presidential nominees were quick to say they opposed Obama doing so.

WATCH: Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia has died after serving nearly 30 years on the nation’s highest court. The 79-year-old apparently died of natural causes while on a trip to south Texas.

2:14 U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia passes away at 79

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell sent out his condolences in a statement but he made sure to include his opinion that the appointment needs to wait until 2017.

“The American people should have a voice in the selection of their next Supreme Court Justice,” he stated. “Therefore, this vacancy should not be filled until we have a new president.”

Of course there was opposition from the other side as Democratic Senator Harry Reid also weighed in on Twitter.

The Republican-led majority in the Senate may attempt to stall an Obama appointment but they may need to be careful about what they hope to accomplish.

The senate has rejected 12 nominations with the most recent being Robert Bork in 1987.