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Susan Collins says she will vote yes to confirm Brett Kavanaugh – live updates Susan Collins says she will vote yes to confirm Brett Kavanaugh – as it happened
(35 minutes later)
We’re ending our live coverage for the day, thanks for following along. Here’s a recap of what happened:
Senate Republicans, with the help of a single Democrat, have voted to advance Brett Kavanaugh to a final floor vote.
With support from Susan Collins and Joe Manchin, the two final key senators considered “undecided”, Kavanaugh is expected to be confirmed by a 51-49 vote.
Collins, a Maine Republican, is facing significant backlash, including a major fundraising effort against her and potential high-profile challenges when she is up for re-election.
Collins cast doubts on Dr Christine Blasey Ford’s story in a lengthy speech announcing her decision to vote yes, saying, “The allegations fail to meet the more-likely-than-not standard.”
Manchin, a Democrat, was the last undecided senator to announce his decision and immediately faced intense protests.
Manchin said he had “reservations”, but added, “I have found Judge Kavanaugh to be a qualified jurist who will follow the Constitution.”
Alaska Republican Lisa Murkowski voted against advancing Kavanaugh to the final vote, saying she believed he was “not the right man for the court”.
Jeff Flake of Arizona, another closely watched Republican, voted to advance Kavanaugh.
President Trump criticized protesters, calling them “elevator screamers” and alleging, without evidence, that they were funded by professional interest groups.
A final floor vote is expected on Saturday.
Hundreds of protesters have been arrested at the US Capitol.
Here’s some useful historical context on how Kavanaugh’s confirmation vote will compare to past supreme court votes:
Scalia 98-0Kennedy 97-0Souter 90-9Thomas 52-48Ginsburg 96-3Breyer 87-9Roberts 78-22Alito 58-42Sotomayor 68-31Kagan 63-37Gorsuch 54-45*Kavanaugh looking like 51-49
It is on track to be one of the closest supreme court confirmation votes in history:
Brett Kavanaugh's likely 51-49 (or 50-49) final vote would make it the closest successful #SCOTUS confirmation vote since the invention of the mousetrap. https://t.co/YQyDmBfatR
Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate judiciary committee, is facing backlash for comments about why the Republicans on the panel are all male:Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate judiciary committee, is facing backlash for comments about why the Republicans on the panel are all male:
Grassley suggests his panel has trouble attracting women because "It's a lot of work—maybe they don't want to do it."He later clarified: "We have a hard time getting men on the committee." (The 11 Republicans on the panel are all men.) https://t.co/8VXbzzzHzZGrassley suggests his panel has trouble attracting women because "It's a lot of work—maybe they don't want to do it."He later clarified: "We have a hard time getting men on the committee." (The 11 Republicans on the panel are all men.) https://t.co/8VXbzzzHzZ
According to the Wall Street Journal, said:According to the Wall Street Journal, said:
It’s a lot of work – maybe they don’t want to do it. My chief of staff of 33 years tells me we’ve tried to recruit women and we couldn’t get the job done.”It’s a lot of work – maybe they don’t want to do it. My chief of staff of 33 years tells me we’ve tried to recruit women and we couldn’t get the job done.”
He apparently returned later to clarify his remarks, saying, “We have a hard time getting men on the committee. It’s just a lot of work whether you’re a man or a woman, it doesn’t matter.”He apparently returned later to clarify his remarks, saying, “We have a hard time getting men on the committee. It’s just a lot of work whether you’re a man or a woman, it doesn’t matter.”
Grassley has also said he is still going to be investigating Dr Ford’s allegations:Grassley has also said he is still going to be investigating Dr Ford’s allegations:
Grassley says he is still going to be investigating and collecting information on Dr. Ford's allegations. “She raised issues in testimony and if you raise issues in your testimony we ought to have information to back it up.”Grassley says he is still going to be investigating and collecting information on Dr. Ford's allegations. “She raised issues in testimony and if you raise issues in your testimony we ought to have information to back it up.”
With Kavanaugh on track to be confirmed, some are asking whether impeachment could follow. The Washington Post published a helpful analysis of this question earlier:With Kavanaugh on track to be confirmed, some are asking whether impeachment could follow. The Washington Post published a helpful analysis of this question earlier:
Analysis: If Kavanaugh is confirmed, impeachment could follow. Here’s how. https://t.co/KTAXLwbNjPAnalysis: If Kavanaugh is confirmed, impeachment could follow. Here’s how. https://t.co/KTAXLwbNjP
In short, the impeachment process is a possibility if the Democrats regain control of the House. Some Democrats and other critics have accused Kavanaugh of repeatedly lying under oath, which could potentially be the basis for impeachment.In short, the impeachment process is a possibility if the Democrats regain control of the House. Some Democrats and other critics have accused Kavanaugh of repeatedly lying under oath, which could potentially be the basis for impeachment.
If the Democrats took control, it’s possible that the House Judiciary Committee would launch an investigation of Kavanaugh and draft articles of impeachment, the Post noted. The likely Democratic chair of this committee has said he would support this effort.If the Democrats took control, it’s possible that the House Judiciary Committee would launch an investigation of Kavanaugh and draft articles of impeachment, the Post noted. The likely Democratic chair of this committee has said he would support this effort.
The impending narrow Dem takeover of the House, powered by the harder left infuriated by upcoming conservative rulings, means Kavanaugh will likely face but survive an impeachment vote, a war that will cement a gaping partisan divide over SCOTUS’s legitimacy.The impending narrow Dem takeover of the House, powered by the harder left infuriated by upcoming conservative rulings, means Kavanaugh will likely face but survive an impeachment vote, a war that will cement a gaping partisan divide over SCOTUS’s legitimacy.
Sarah Palin has also hinted that she would consider running against Alaska senator Lisa Murkowski, the only Republican to vote against advancing Kavanaugh’s confirmation.Sarah Palin has also hinted that she would consider running against Alaska senator Lisa Murkowski, the only Republican to vote against advancing Kavanaugh’s confirmation.
Hey @LisaMurkowski - I can see 2022 from my house...Hey @LisaMurkowski - I can see 2022 from my house...
Murkowski is up for re-election in 2022. Palin, the former governor of Alaska and a GOP candidate for vice president in 2008, has been advocating for Kavanaugh on social media.Murkowski is up for re-election in 2022. Palin, the former governor of Alaska and a GOP candidate for vice president in 2008, has been advocating for Kavanaugh on social media.
Susan Rice, former United Nations ambassador and national security adviser to President Obama, has suggested she may consider running against Susan Collins:Susan Rice, former United Nations ambassador and national security adviser to President Obama, has suggested she may consider running against Susan Collins:
Me https://t.co/93qNxN7Ky9Me https://t.co/93qNxN7Ky9
The single-word tweet came less than an hour after Collins announced she would be voting for Kavanaugh, effectively securing the confirmation. The family of Rice’s mother is from Maine, and she has apparently spent time there during summers.The single-word tweet came less than an hour after Collins announced she would be voting for Kavanaugh, effectively securing the confirmation. The family of Rice’s mother is from Maine, and she has apparently spent time there during summers.
Rice is not the only one expressing interest in Collins’ seat:Rice is not the only one expressing interest in Collins’ seat:
I'm focused on expanding our House majority in #ME and electing @JanetMillsforME as our governor, but after 11/6 I will be seriously considering how I can elevate the voices of people who deserve and demand to be heard and represented in DC. https://t.co/TbFCFmhiGc #mepoliticsI'm focused on expanding our House majority in #ME and electing @JanetMillsforME as our governor, but after 11/6 I will be seriously considering how I can elevate the voices of people who deserve and demand to be heard and represented in DC. https://t.co/TbFCFmhiGc #mepolitics
Susan Collins finished her speech less than an hour ago and already, former Obama official Susan Rice and the Speaker of the Maine House, Sara Gideon, are expressing interesting in a 2020 Maine Senate bid. Keep an eye on ME-01 Rep. Chellie Pingree as well.Susan Collins finished her speech less than an hour ago and already, former Obama official Susan Rice and the Speaker of the Maine House, Sara Gideon, are expressing interesting in a 2020 Maine Senate bid. Keep an eye on ME-01 Rep. Chellie Pingree as well.
A crowdfunding campaign for Susan Collins’ opponent has now raised over $2m. The donations came pouring in as the Republican senator, a key undecided vote, gave a lengthy speech this afternoon announcing her decision to vote for Kavanaugh.A crowdfunding campaign for Susan Collins’ opponent has now raised over $2m. The donations came pouring in as the Republican senator, a key undecided vote, gave a lengthy speech this afternoon announcing her decision to vote for Kavanaugh.
As #Collins speaks fund to get her out of office ticks up to close to $2m https://t.co/q124HCKZfzAs #Collins speaks fund to get her out of office ticks up to close to $2m https://t.co/q124HCKZfz
It appeared that there has been so much web traffic to the donation site that the page has temporarily crashed.It appeared that there has been so much web traffic to the donation site that the page has temporarily crashed.
The website crowdfunding Collins' 2020 opponent has crashed. https://t.co/Q0HJXy0nEY https://t.co/rG4EuqzoR1The website crowdfunding Collins' 2020 opponent has crashed. https://t.co/Q0HJXy0nEY https://t.co/rG4EuqzoR1
With Democrat Joe Manchin and Republican Susan Collins both declaring their intention to vote for Kavanaugh, it appears the judge is on track to have the votes he needs to be confirmed. After a procedural vote advanced the nomination earlier in the day, the final vote is expected on Saturday.With Democrat Joe Manchin and Republican Susan Collins both declaring their intention to vote for Kavanaugh, it appears the judge is on track to have the votes he needs to be confirmed. After a procedural vote advanced the nomination earlier in the day, the final vote is expected on Saturday.
The confirmation was already set to be finalized with Collins’ vote, which would likely have put vice president Mike Pence in a position to break a tie. Now, it appears all but certain that Kavanaugh will be confirmed.The confirmation was already set to be finalized with Collins’ vote, which would likely have put vice president Mike Pence in a position to break a tie. Now, it appears all but certain that Kavanaugh will be confirmed.
Another dramatic protest is unfolding around senator Joe Manchin, the Democrat who has announced he is voting to confirm Kavanaugh. People are chanting “Look at us! Look at us!” and “Shame!” as he speaks to reporters.Another dramatic protest is unfolding around senator Joe Manchin, the Democrat who has announced he is voting to confirm Kavanaugh. People are chanting “Look at us! Look at us!” and “Shame!” as he speaks to reporters.
"Look at us! Look at us!" protesters chant at Sen. Joe Manchin, who just announced he will vote "yes" to confirm Brett Kavanaugh https://t.co/8EWF2wqHkd pic.twitter.com/lsUbPTqtEt"Look at us! Look at us!" protesters chant at Sen. Joe Manchin, who just announced he will vote "yes" to confirm Brett Kavanaugh https://t.co/8EWF2wqHkd pic.twitter.com/lsUbPTqtEt
Quite a remarkable scene that was just broadcast on @MSNBC. Joe Manchin was speaking to reporters and, in the background, protesters were loudly chanting "Shame! Shame!" and "Look at us! Look at us!" as he spoke.Quite a remarkable scene that was just broadcast on @MSNBC. Joe Manchin was speaking to reporters and, in the background, protesters were loudly chanting "Shame! Shame!" and "Look at us! Look at us!" as he spoke.
Asked about whether he believed the FBI investigation was adequate, he said:Asked about whether he believed the FBI investigation was adequate, he said:
There’s always more that could’ve been done ... I looked at what was in front of me, and I had to make a decision.”There’s always more that could’ve been done ... I looked at what was in front of me, and I had to make a decision.”
Sam Levin here, continuing our live coverage of Kavanaugh’s confirmation fight.Sam Levin here, continuing our live coverage of Kavanaugh’s confirmation fight.
Democratic senator Joe Manchin, considered the last “undecided” senator, has just announced that he is voting to confirm Kavanaugh. He said in a statement:Democratic senator Joe Manchin, considered the last “undecided” senator, has just announced that he is voting to confirm Kavanaugh. He said in a statement:
I have reservations about this vote given the serious accusations against Judge Kavanaugh and the temperament he displayed in the hearing. However, based on all of the information I have available to me, including the recently completed FBI report, I have found Judge Kavanaugh to be a qualified jurist who will follow the Constitution and determine cases based on the legal findings before him.”I have reservations about this vote given the serious accusations against Judge Kavanaugh and the temperament he displayed in the hearing. However, based on all of the information I have available to me, including the recently completed FBI report, I have found Judge Kavanaugh to be a qualified jurist who will follow the Constitution and determine cases based on the legal findings before him.”
NEW: Dem Sen Joe Manchin to back Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation pic.twitter.com/IZTTwKff8GNEW: Dem Sen Joe Manchin to back Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation pic.twitter.com/IZTTwKff8G
The announcement came shortly after Republican senator Susan Collins also said she would be voting to confirm in a lengthy speech.The announcement came shortly after Republican senator Susan Collins also said she would be voting to confirm in a lengthy speech.
After lengthy remarks in defense of his nomination, Collins confirms she’ll vote along party lines.
Collins is 40 minutes into her remarks.
She is taking to task whoever leaked Christine Blasey Ford’s letter, but says she does not believe that person is senator Dianne Fienstein, whose office received the letter.
Now she is talking about algorithms and how they help people read articles that confirm their biases.
“The allegations fail to meet the more-likely-than-not standard,” Collins says.
“I do not believe that these charges can fairly prevent judge Kavanaugh from serving on the supreme court.”
Collins says every person who makes a claim of sexual assault deserves to be heard. “The MeToo movement is real,” she says, with emphasis.
She says since the hearing she has listened to many survivors of sexual assault.
Very hard now to understand what it was Collins was undecided about all this time. She has firmly rejected virtually every single potential reason or pretext for voting against Kavanaugh.
Collins is addressing Christine Blasey Ford’s accusation of sexual assault against Kavanaugh.
She said the “presumption of innocence” and due process weigh on her thinking.
“We must always remember that it is when passions are most inflamed that fairness is most in jeopardy,” she says.
She says some of the allegations against Kavanaugh “illustrate why the presumption of innocence” is so important, specifically an allegation that Kavanaugh committee gang rape. He denies the allegation.
Collins says Ford’s testimony was “sincere, painful and compelling.”
And she believes Ford is a victim of sexual assault.
But Collins has questions about Ford’s story and the witness testimonies.
Now onto Roe v Wade - Collins says it is important to keep in place this pivotal 1973 supreme court ruling to legalize abortion.
She explains all the reasons she thinks Kavanaugh is not a threat to Roe v Wade - an interesting argument from a Republican.
She says Republicans have been saying their supreme court nominee would end Roe v Wade for decades and it hasn’t happened yet.
Susan Collins, paraphrased: The GOP platform is lying about overturning abortion.
Meanwhile ...
Important rebuttal to what @SenatorCollins is saying now on floor of Senate about Kavanaugh and Roe v. Wade 👇🏼 https://t.co/biknLJbs2y
Collins says she has spoken to Kavanaugh privately for several hours.
She also said she has met with thousands of her constituents, who she said spoke extensively about fears Kavanaugh would gut the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. She says she’s not worried about that.
She said another concern people have brought her is that Kavanaugh would give protection to a president facing charges because of his previous writings on executive power.
Collins hasn’t said how she is voting, but the early guess is she’ll be a yes for Kavanaugh.
She has yet to address the sexual assault allegations, but it doesn’t sound like she’s ending her remarks anytime soon.
This sounds like someone who was yes from moment 1.
Collins has female senators Capito and Hyde-Smith, who support Kavanaugh, sitting behind her for this speech.
Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, says the confirmation process has become dysfunctional and chaotic instead of the solemn occasion it should be.
She accuses special interest groups of spending “an unprecedented amount of dark money opposing this confirmation.”
She says the supreme court confirmation process has “been in steady decline for more than 30 years,” but hopes the Kavanaugh nomination is “rock bottom.”
Collins sent a press alert confirming she would speak at 3:05pm.
It’s 3:08pm ... and she should be speaking momentarily.
Protestors, however, are shouting in the galleries.
Protesters are shouting from the gallery at the start of Susan Collins’ speech on Senate floor: "Vote no. Show up for Maine women!"
White House press secretary Sarah Sanders spoke to reporters briefly this afternoon, after the cloture vote.
Asked if the White House and Senate GOP leaders have the votes to confirm Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, she said: “I sure hope so.”
“I think that we should,” she added.
“He’s done more than any nominee in history in terms of amount of documents he’s turned over, hours of testimony, interviews.
“Look, the president supports his nominee and wants to see him get confirmed.”
When asked if the White House was worried about Kavanaugh supporters in the Senate changing their minds before the vote, Sanders said: “Honestly, I think a lot of Democrats should change their mind and do the right thing and [confirm] Judge Kavanaugh.”
White House officials hope the Senate votes on Saturday, Sanders said.
With the vote to confirm Kavanaugh looking so close, one senator’s daughter’s wedding has gained unusual prominence.
Senator Steve Daines, a Republican from Montana, plans to attend his daughter’s wedding in his home state on Saturday – the expected voting day.
The Senate is divided 51-49 Republican to Democrat. If all Democrats vote no (not a certainty) and one Republican defects, there will be a tie decided by vice-president Mike Pence.
That slim margin also means there is not room for a Republican senator not to show up – even if it’s his daughter’s wedding.
Another complicating factor? There’s no direct commercial flights out of Montana to DC on Saturday, and with layovers the journey could take more than seven hours – not an ideal travel time for someone looking to attend a wedding and a historic Senate vote.
Daines, however, said Friday afternoon he’d sorted it out.
APNewsBreak: U.S. Sen. Steve Daines says he'll return to Washington D.C. via 'good friend' Greg Gianforte's private jet on his daughter's wedding day if Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation to the Supreme Court comes down to the Montana Republican's vote
Gianforte is the congressman who assaulted Guardian journalist Ben Jacobs.