Sen. Susan Collins gave Brett Kavanaugh unstinting praise in a Senate floor speech before announcing she’d vote for his confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court. That likely locks up his confirmation with Sen. Joe Manchin’s announcement he’s voting for Kavanaugh, too.

The Senate voted 51-49 to move the issue to a final vote. Sen. Lisa Murkowski voted no and later gave a strong indication she’d be a “no” on confirmation. That left Collins and Manchin among the 51 votes needed.. Sen. Jeff Flake, who’s wavered a bit and was among those voting to move the issue to a final vote, said he’d vote for Kavanaugh.

Advertisement

With Collins support, Kavanaugh’s vote appears to be at 50, with Manchin expected to announce his decision this afternoon in advance of Saturday’s planned vote. Should Manchin vote no (not likely now, I’d guess), and the vote end up 50-50, Mike Pence would cast the tie-breaking vote for Kavanaugh. UPDATE: Machine announced he’s on board with Kavanaugh, too.

In short, it looks like you can call him Justice Kavanaugh, though what type of justice he’ll deliver remains to be seen. He suggested in his intemperate remarks last week that he’d be inclined to get even with his enemies.

Advertisement

Collins delivered many lines that she may yet have cause to reconsider about Kavanaugh — on executive power, gay rights, abortion rights and much more. She insisted he was more of a centrist than critics claim.

The recent allegations of sexual assault and his eruption last week?

On temperament, she said pre-hearing evaluations praised his temperament.

On the sexual allegations, she said the nominee was due a presumption of innocence and fairness. “When passions are most inflamed, innocence is most in jeopardy,” she said.

Advertisement

She expressed some sympathy for Ford, but branded the allegation that Kavanaugh had been part of gang sex as “outlandish.” This allegation, of course, was never investigated.

She said Christine Blasey Ford’s testimony had been “sincere, painful and compelling.” But she added, “I believe she’s a survivor of sexual assaul.t and this trauma has upended her life. Nevertheless, the four witnesses she named could not corroborate any of the events ….”

Advertisement

Collins also attacked Ford’s credibility with the fact that no one had come forward to support her testimony and with the lack of an explanation for how she got home the night of the alleged assault.

“I do not believe these charges can fairly prevent Judge Kavanaugh from serving on the court,” Collins said.

Advertisement

She did say sexual assault was a problem.

Collins hypocrisy was showing. She mentioned “dark money” spent to oppose Kavanaugh. Untold millions were spent in totally dark money on a flood of TV ads supporting Kavanaugh. She also cited American Bar Association support, after the ABA pulled back from unstinting support.

She also attacked the leak of the Ford complaint.

Advertisement

Invest in the future of great journalism in Arkansas

Join the ranks of the 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts who know that the Arkansas Times is the go-to source for tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been on the front lines of the fight for truth, and with your support, we can do even more. By subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers and expand our coverage. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a difference with your subscription or donation to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article Friday: The open line and news roundup Next article The Big Bass Boat Bonanza Edition