IN, OH, KY Senators React To Kavanaugh Hearing Testimony

Indiana U.S. Senator Todd Young, a Republican, says he remains unconvinced Kavanaugh committed sexual assault.

Indiana U.S. Senator Todd Young says he will still vote to confirm Kavanaugh.

(Washington) - Local senators are largely split along party lines in their support of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh after Thursday’s sexual abuse allegations hearing.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is slated to vote Friday on forwarding Kavanaugh’s nomination to the full Senate, a day after a fiery and emotional hearing featuring testimony from Kavanaugh and his accused, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford.

Indiana Republican Senator Todd Young said he was struck by the power of both testimonies, however, he was not persuaded that Kavanaugh was involved in sexual assault while in high school 36 years ago.

“I believe Judge Kavanaugh was truthful under oath during today’s hearing, and I trust the statements of the witnesses named by Dr. Ford who said under penalty of felony that they have no recollection of the alleged incident,” Young said.

“After watching today’s hearing, and conducting a thorough and objective review of his nomination, I remain convinced that Judge Kavanaugh is a man of integrity who will be an excellent addition to the Supreme Court. I will be voting to confirm him.”

Democratic Indiana Senator Joe Donnelly is calling for an FBI investigation of Kavanaugh, who he remains undecided about. How Donnelly votes on the nomination could have some sway among Hoosier voters who largely approved of President Trump’s election in 2016.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky criticized Democrats on the committee for doing what he called an immense disservice to both witnesses by turning a sensitive allegation into a political and media circus. Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, also a Republican, has not released a statement following Thursday’s hearing, but he has maintained his support for the Supreme Court nominee after the sexual assault allegations.

Ohio's senators aren't changing their opinions about Kavanaugh. Republican Rob Portman remains in Kavanaugh's corner, saying he doesn't buy the allegations against the judge. Meanwhile, Democrat Sherrod Brown says he's still opposed to Kavanaugh, calling him a champion of special interests.  

Dr. Ford’s courage is inspiring and I am very grateful to her for coming forward to tell her story, even in the face of deep personal cost. She was moving, heartfelt and honest.

— Sherrod Brown (@SenSherrodBrown) September 27, 2018

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