WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama says he’s looking for a Supreme Court nominee with a sterling record, a deep respect for the judiciary’s role and an understanding of how the law affects real people.

Obama is offering his most expansive description of the qualities he’s seeking in a replacement for the late Justice Antonin Scalia.

He writes on the legal blog SCOTUSblog that he’s looking for someone who approaches decisions with no “particular ideology or agenda.” But Obama says he’s also seeking someone guided by his or her “perspective, ethics and judgment.”

The president is using the blog post to push back on Republicans and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell who are refusing to hold hearings or permit a vote.

Obama says senators have a “constitutional responsibility” to consider his nominee.