Garland holds first meeting with GOP senator, Kirk of IL
![Garland holds first meeting with GOP senator, Kirk of IL](http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/fe/bfe5cf5d-5985-5dec-bfa8-26d7c475fef9/56fa9fd1c4c95.image.jpg?resize=300%2C210)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Mark Kirk on Tuesday became the first Republican senator to meet with Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland, criticizing GOP leaders' refusal to hold confirmation hearings or a vote on the long-time federal judge and praising him as…