WASHINGTON, D.C. (NEWS CENTER Maine) -- The skepticism or enthusiasm with which Maine's Congressional delegation greeted the announcement of President Trump's nominee to the Supreme Court broke down along predictable partisan lines.
To fill the seat being vacated by Justice Anthony Kennedy, the President on Monday night announced his choice of Brett Kavanaugh. He built a solidly conservative record with his rulings on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. At 53 years old, Kavanaugh could help solidify a conservative bloc on the Supreme Court for decades.
Although a Republican, Sen. Susan Collins has broken with her party and the President on a handful of key issues. In the days leading up to the nomination, she told NEWS CENTER Maine, "It would be very difficult for me to support a nominee who did not consider Roe v. Wade settled law." Left-leaning groups took hope from her statement that Collins might oppose a nominee who threatened abortion rights.
When the choice became official, Collins said, "Judge Kavanaugh has impressive credentials and extensive experience." But she stopped short of an endorsement, adding, "I will conduct a careful, thorough vetting of the President’s nominee to the Supreme Court, as I have done with the five previous Supreme Court Justices whom I have considered."
Like Sen. Collins, Senator Angus King will also cast a confirmation vote. But as an independent who caucuses with the Democrats, his initial impression conveyed a number of misgivings.
“It’s troubling that the President’s search for a potential Supreme Court Justice seemed to start and end with a list of names supplied by an outside group," said King. "I’ve voted against ideologically extreme judges who do not reflect Maine’s values a number of times before, and, if my research indicates that Judge Kavanaugh is another such nominee, I will not hesitate to do so again.”
Both members of the U.S. House of Representatives from Maine didn't let their lack of a confirmation vote prevent them from commenting on the nomination. Free from that responsibility, Rep. Chellie Pingree was more definitive in her opposition.
"Brett Kavanaugh is a far-right choice to sit on our nation’s highest court. He has an egregious record of undermining a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions," said Pingree, voicing the concerns of many fellow Democrats. "I strongly urge my Senate counterparts not to approve any nominee who was chosen by President Trump until the investigation into his campaign's collusion with Russia has concluded."
The nominee's credentials received a warmer reception from Republican Congressman Bruce Poliquin. "Brett Kavanaugh has an impressive tenure of service, as a jurist and as a clerk at the Supreme Court," he said. "I’m hopeful the White House will work with the Senate, including Senators Collins and King, on approving a Justice for the Supreme Court who will serve Mainers and the Nation dutifully and honorably.”
Republicans hold a majority in the Senate giving them a 51-49 advantage in a party-line confirmation vote.
