Several Republican governors are calling for an independent investigation into the allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and said the Senate should hold off on a vote.
The comments from the moderate Republicans were made in light of Christine Blasey Ford’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her. Kavanaugh vigorously denied the allegations.
“The accusations brought against Judge Kavanaugh are sickening and deserve an independent investigation,” Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker tweeted. “There should be no vote in the Senate.”
Republican Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland, Kavanaugh’s home state, wants to see a full investigation conducted before votes occur.
“The governor believes there should be a full investigation prior to the process moving forward in any way,” Amelia Chasse, a spokeswoman for Hogan, said.
In an interview with the Burlington Free Press, Vermont’s Republican governor encouraged senators to conduct a full investigation and “take your time.”
“This is a lifetime appointment,” Gov. Phil Scott said. “And I’m not taking a position on Judge Kavanaugh himself, but we owe it to Americans to make sure that they get it right because this doesn’t happen every day.”
“And it’s their obligation to do so. So take your time. Investigate,” he said. “And make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons.”
In July, Baker, Hogan and Scott were the lone Republican governors to not sign a letter to Senate leaders offering support for Kavanaugh’s nomination. All three are up for re-election this year.
New Hampshire Republican Gov. Chris Sununu, who is also faces re-election, thinks the allegations against Kavanaugh “should be fully investigated” before the Senate moves forward, according to a statement provided to the Concord Monitor.
“These are very serious allegations that should be fully investigated before making a determination on Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination and the Senate should think carefully about the next steps in this process,” Sununu’s campaign said.
Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a Republican, has urged the Senate to slow down its confirmation process and said he would not support Kavanaugh’s nomination unless a full investigation is carried out.
“In the absence of a complete and thorough investigation, and hearing from all parties involved, moving this nomination forward would be a mistake,” Kasich, who has not ruled out a 2020 run, said in a statement. “In the best interest of our country and the integrity of the court, the Senate needs to hold on this confirmation. Without an investigation, and with so many serious issues involved, I can’t support this nomination if they choose to move forward.”
The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote later Friday on Kavanaugh’s nomination.
