So they could hold a vote next week if they wanted to?

What kind of process goes into choosing a candidate in the first place?

This is true and definitely another way of looking at it. Though I lean towards Trump trying to get the appointment through, depending on their calculations, he may decide to commit to waiting until he's re-elected or defeated for the appointment to proceed in an effort to win over the favorability of independent voters.

I mean to me, if all they have to lose is face, then they would be somewhat foolish not to appoint someone.

Likely most voters aren't tuned in enough to politics to let the appearances of it really sway their vote and even if some are and they lose a few already competitive Congress seats over it .. the SC seat is worth more in the long term than those races are and the GOP is already in a spot where their long term prospects are becoming increasingly slimmer.

Hearing that there's a few politically oriented considerations to be made.
1. A budget
2. This might be leverage for a lame-duck.

Edit: But yes, he could do it if McConnell can convene a quorum. And Merkowski (sp?) already said eff off.

I literally didn't understand any of this post tbh

Nevermind: McConnell vows Senate will hold vote on Ginsburg’s replacement

The turtle is finally coming out of his shell.

Is there anything the Dems could reasonably do to stop them considering they have control of the presidency and the senate?

No. Again assuming the votes are there. Having said that, I don't know if even that would stop them.

Well then, another twist to a wonderful year. Has Donald Trump released a list of possible candidates?

Ted Cruz and Tom Cotton. About 10 days ago.