Confirmation hearings begin for Judge Neil Gorsuch, President Trump's nominee for the Supreme Court

WASHINGTON (AP) - A Senate panel has opened confirmation hearings on Judge Neil Gorsuch, President Donald Trump's nominee for the Supreme Court. 

Colorado's two senators - Democrat Michael Bennet and Republican Cory Gardner - are introducing Gorsuch, a conservative member of the Denver-based federal appeals court.

His nomination has been cheered by Republicans and praised by some left-leaning legal scholars. Democrats headed into the committee hearings were divided over how hard to fight him.

The first day of the hearings will feature opening statements from senators and Gorsuch himself. Questioning will begin tomorrow.