Sen. Susan Collins thought Brett Kavanaugh might have to withdraw Supreme Court nomination at one point
WASHINGTON – Sen. Susan Collins, a pivotal vote in the confirmation of new Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, said Sunday she thought he might he might have to withdraw after he was accused of sexual assault, but his “forceful denial” helped save him.
“In this country, we have a presumption of innocence and as a matter of fairness,” the Maine Republican senator said during an interview that aired Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union.”
Collins provided key support as the Senate voted 50-48 to confirm Kavanaugh after an angry debate that followed Christine Blasey Ford’s accusation that the jurist assaulted her during a high school party in 1982. Both Ford and Kavanaugh testified about the allegations to the Senate Judiciary Committee last month.
“I was certainly undecided, and, after hearing Christine Ford’s very compelling and painful testimony, I thought, ‘oh my goodness, he, perhaps, needs to withdraw,'” Collins told CNN.Â
But then Kavanaugh “came back with such a forceful denial, and the anger and anguish that he showed” led her back to other issues, Collins said. She also cited “the lack of corroboration to Ford’s story.”
Collins said she does believe that Ford believes she was assaulted, but “I do not believe that Brett Kavanaugh was her assailant.”
Her comments drew criticism from a Senate Democratic colleague.
Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, described Collins’ attitude toward Ford as “insulting,” and said the Senate should not confirm anyone to a lifetime appointment on the nation’s highest court with such a cloud over his or her head.
Describing Ford’s testimony as “very credible,” Hirono said, “I certainly believe Dr. Ford.”
In addition to Ford’s accusation of sexual assault, Kavanaugh also faced other allegations of sexual misconduct and claims of excessive drinking and other inappropriate conduct during his high school and college years. Following his Senate testimony, he also faced accusations of lying about his past conduct, as well.
Kavanaugh’s testimony included an attack on some Democrats, including former President Bill Clinton and former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
The judge’s claim that enemies conspired to smear him did not sit well with Collins, nor did his snappish answers to some of the Democratic senators who questioned him about drinking and other matters.
Despite her support, Collins told CNN: “I did believe that he should not have taken the shot at the Clintons and that in his questioning with certain senators, responding to their questions, particularly Amy Klobuchar, that he stepped over the line.â€
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