News Mississippi
Wicker, Hyde-Smith support Kavanaugh amid accusations
By Steven Gagliano
As Senate confirmation hearings continue, Mississippi’s Senators have issued statements supporting Supreme Court Nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh amid sexual assault accusations from multiple women.
Several top Democrats have asked that the hearings be halted until an FBI investigation into the claims is conducted. Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, one accuser, has agreed to testify in front of the Judiciary Committee under certain conditions. Kavanaugh has continued to deny the claims and has also agreed to testify.
In response to the latest developments, Senator Roger Wicker stated the allegations are being used as a “smear” tactic against the nominee.
“Senate Democrats have demonstrated that they are not interested in truth or justice. The clear lack of supporting evidence and witnesses and the withholding of information suggest a coordinated campaign designed to smear Judge Kavanaugh. Chairman Grassley and his colleagues have taken the allegations against Judge Kavanaugh seriously. I support the work of the Judiciary Committee, which is investigating these claims through a fair process. This week both sides will be given an opportunity to share their stories under oath, and then we should move forward. These unsubstantiated, politically-motivated accusations should not further delay the consideration of this well-regarded, highly-qualified nominee.” – Senator Wicker
Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith stated that while sexual assault is unacceptable, she believes this be a partisan attack on Judge Kavanaugh.
“Sexual assault of any kind is unacceptable, but it is becoming very apparent that a major partisan effort is underway to undermine not just Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination, but his character. Judge Kavanaugh has repeatedly declaredthat none of these accusations are true, denied all the accusations, and I am glad he has pledged he will not buckle under this coordinated attack to torpedo his nomination.
“Judge Kavanaugh has an exemplary record of service to the judiciary and the rule of law. His confirmation process has been exhaustive, and he has been forthright in answering questions—all under the penalty of law. I’ve met him and continue to consider him imminently qualified to serve on the Supreme Court.
“The Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled a hearing to examine these accusations. Let that process go forward and then bring Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination up for a vote. I’m confident the Senate will do the right thing—not just by Judge Kavanaugh, but by the American people and our system of justice.” – Senator Hyde-Smith
Ford claims the assault took place at a party when the two were in high school. In a recent interview with Fox News, Kavanaugh stated that he was never at the party detailed by Ford, and that the allegations don’t add up.
“I want a fair process where I can defend my integrity, and I know I’m telling the truth,” the judge said. “I know my lifelong record and I’m not going to let false accusations drive me out of this process. I have faith in God and I have faith in the fairness of the American people.”
According to Fox News, White House spokesperson Kerri Kupec recently stated that the accusation is part of a “coordinated smear campaign”.