Kavanaugh Confirmation
GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski explains her vote against Kavanaugh: This is 'bigger than a nominee'
After being the lone dissenting Republican in the 51-49 vote to advance Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation to a full Senate vote, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) seemed to say she'll repeat that decision in a full vote slated for Saturday. "I believe Brett Kavanaugh is a good man,” Murkowski explained to reporters after the controversial vote, but added that she "believe[s] we are dealing with issues right now that are bigger than a nominee."
As of Friday morning, Murkowski, along with Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) were the only senators undecided on Kavanaugh's confirmation. The other three senators voted "yes" on Friday. After that vote, Flake announced he'd support Kavanaugh, while Collins has said she'll reveal her vote at 3 p.m.
Murkowski, meanwhile, has "been wrestling with whether or not this was about the qualifications of a good man or is this bigger than the nominee," she told reporters Friday, adding that she "did not come to a decision on this until walking into the floor this morning." Reuters has interpreted her comments to mean "she had not made up her mind" on a final vote. Murkowski did say she'll expand on her decision in a floor statement later.
Manchin is reportedly unwilling to be the deciding vote on Kavanaugh, meaning Collins' 3 p.m. announcement could very well determine Saturday's outcome.