Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Mitt Romney Monday said they will vote for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to be confirmed to the Supreme Court, bringing the total expected GGOP votes for Jackson’s confirmation up to three.
“After reviewing Judge Jackson’s record and testimony, I have concluded that she is a well-qualified jurist and a person of honor,” Romney, R-Utah, said. “While I do not expect to agree with every decision she may make on the Court, I believe that she more than meets the standard of excellence and integrity.”
“My support rests on Judge Jackson’s qualifications, which no one questions; her demonstrated judicial independence; her demeanor and temperament; and the important perspective she would bring to the court as a replacement for Justice Breyer,” Murkwoski, R-Alaska, said.
“It also rests on my rejection of the corrosive politicization of the review process for Supreme Court nominees, which, on both sides of the aisle, is growing worse and more detached from reality by the year,” Murkowski added. “While I have not and will not agree with all of Judge Jackson’s decisions and opinions, her approach to cases is carefully considered and is generally well-reasoned.”
Murkowski’s support gives Jackson yet more breathing room for her confirmation after Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said she would support Jackson last week.
The Senate Monday voted 53-47 to discharge Jackson’s nomination from the Judiciary Committee after the committee deadlocked 11-11 along party lines on Jackson’s nomination. Murkowski, Romney and Collins delivered the affirmative votes needed to advance the nomination in what will likely be touted by the White House as a major win.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., a member of the Judiciary Committee, lauded the moderate GOP senators for bucking their party on the Jackson vote.
“I think it’s a real tribute to their judgement. I think it’s sad that we have this evenly divided vote. Maybe it’s an accident of history but I’m extremely gratified that more Republicans are showing that they’re willing to consider this nomination on the merits,” Blumenthal said.
This is an excerpt from Fox News.
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