With Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh’s fate to be decided, the country’s eyes have turned to the four senators.
Republican Sens. Jeff Flake, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski, and Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin represent the swing votes on Kavanaugh’s confirmation this week.
After reviewing the FBI report on Kavanaugh and their investigation into the shocking sexual assault allegations that surfaced in the 11th hour of his Senate Judiciary Committee hearings, Flake and Collins both spoke out — and what they said has President Donald Trump voters cheerings.
“It appears to be a very thorough investigation,” Collins told reporters early Thursday.
Flake said the report contained “no new credible corroboration, no new corroboration at all” for the accusations against Kavanaugh.
The apparent satisfaction of these two key senators is a signal that Kavanaugh’s confirmation is likely, The Washington Post reported.
Murkowski told reporters that she wanted to review the content personally before making a decision.
“I think it is important that all who wish to read it get that opportunity, and I’m taking my opportunity now. I’m looking forward to it,” she said.
Senate Republicans only need two of the three senators to vote for Kavanaugh to confirm his nomination to the Supreme Court. The GOP holds a narrow 51-49 lead in the Senate, but Vice President Mike Pence would represent the tie-breaking vote and is a vocal Kavanaugh backer.
The initial vote is expected to be called on the Senate floor early Friday.
Should Flake and Collins vote the way they’ve indicated, that sets Kavanaugh’s final confirmation to come as soon as Saturday.
— The Horn editorial team