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Flake to vote to confirm Kavanaugh

Posted at 6:30 AM, Sep 28, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-28 14:03:20-04

Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake will vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.

Flake was viewed as a possible swing vote whose support would be crucial to pushing Kavanaugh's nomination through.

Flake's office released this statement:

"After hearing more than 30 hours of testimony from Judge Kavanaugh earlier this month, I was prepared to support his nomination based on his view of the law and his record as a judge.  In fact, I commented at the time that had he been nominated in another era, he would have likely received 90+ votes.

"When Dr. Ford's allegations against Judge Kavanaugh surfaced two weeks ago, I insisted that she be allowed to testify before the committee moved to a vote. Yesterday, we heard compelling testimony from Dr. Ford, as well as a persuasive response from Judge Kavanaugh. I wish that I could express the confidence that some of my colleagues have conveyed about what either did or did not happen in the early 1980s, but I left the hearing yesterday with as much doubt as certainty.

"What I do know is that our system of justice affords a presumption of innocence to the accused, absent corroborating evidence. That is what binds us to the rule of law. While some may argue that a different standard should apply regarding the Senate's advice and consent responsibilities, I believe that the constitution's provisions of fairness and due process apply here as well.
I will vote to confirm Judge Kavanaugh."