U.S. senators split on Kavanaugh’s confirmation
Pennsylvania’s two U.S. senators had opposite reactions among party lines to Brett Kavanaugh joining the U.S. Supreme Court after a dramatically bitter confirmation process that concluded with him being sworn in to the high court Saturday night.
Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Zionsville, voted for Kavanaugh’s confirmation Saturday, coming out on the prevailing end of a 50-48 vote in Kavanaugh’s favor, the closest confirmation vote for a U.S. Supreme Court justice by percentage in the nation’s history.
Sen. Bob Casey, D-Scranton, voted against Kavanaugh’s confirmation, as did 47 of the other 48 other Democrats in the Senate. Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia was the only Democrat to vote for Kavanaugh’s confirmation, while Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska was the only Republican not to vote for the confirmation.
Kavanaugh’s confirmation was jeopardized by claims that he had sexually assaulted women three decades ago, allegations that he denied.
“His sterling academic credentials and outstanding legal record, which includes twelve years of exemplary service as a judge on the second highest court in the nation, make him exceptionally well qualified to serve as the Supreme Court’s next Associate Justice,” Toomey said in a statement. “Judge Kavanaugh’s long career of public service displays a remarkable fidelity to the Constitution and understanding of the proper role of a judge. He is an impartial jurist who treats everyone fairly and decides cases neutrally on the basis of the law and not a preferred policy or outcome.”
Casey emphatically disagreed.
“Judge Kavanaugh’s confirmation further stacks the Supreme Court in favor of corporate special interests who already have far too much power,” Casey said. “This is now a Supreme Court by and for the corporate right. As a result, workers, those with pre-existing conditions, individuals with disabilities and ordinary Americans seeking their day in court are more likely to be deprived of equal justice under law.”
Kavanaugh’s confirmation has been seen as solidifying a majority of conservative-leaning justices on the Supreme Court, as the justice he succeeds, Anthony Kennedy, was considered a swing vote before announcing his retirement this summer.
Kavanaugh, 53, vigorously denied the allegations of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, a professor of psychology at Palo Alto University who says he sexually assaulted her in a locked room at a 1980s high school gathering. He also denied the allegations of Deborah Ramirez, who says Kavanaugh exposed himself to her at a party when they attended Yale University, and Julie Swetnick, who also accused him of sexual misconduct.
“Today, the worst possible claims about a nominee are considered disqualifying by some, despite the absence of any corroborating evidence, because they disagree with the nominee’s judicial philosophy,” Toomey said. “Sexual assault is a terrible crime that is sadly far too prevalent in our society. We need to take seriously allegations of sexual assault, while at the same time providing due process to those who are accused of misconduct.”
Casey’s opponent in his quest for a third term in the Senate, U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-Hazleton, applauded the Senate for confirming Kavanaugh, noting that Casey had voiced opposition to President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court selection before it was even announced in July.
The Supreme Court announced Saturday that Kavanaugh would “begin to participate in the work of the Court immediately” after being sworn in.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.