Maine

Critics Vow 2020 Fight Against Collins Following Kavanaugh Vote

Republican Sen. Susan Collins isn't up for re-election until 2020, but critics are already vowing she'll pay a political price for her vote for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

Crowdpac tweeted that it's secured pledges for more than $3 million for Collins' future opponent.

The senator from Maine was a potential swing vote for the nominee accused of sexual assault when he was a high school student.

In the end, Collins said she found the accuser's allegation of sexual assault "sincere, painful and compelling" but said the FBI found no corroborating evidence. She said it's when "passions are most inflamed that fairness is most in jeopardy."

Saturday's vote for Kavanaugh was 50-48.

Collins was cheered by Republicans. Former President George H.W. Bush praised her for "political courage and class."

Speaking to News Center Maine after her vote, Collins described the Kavanaugh nomination process as "the most difficult" in her 22 years in office.

"I have met with so many Mainers that were sexual assault survivors," she continued. "I have met with them in Maine, I've met with them here (in Washington), I've met with them through video conference. I have met with many survivors of sexual assault."

She told News Center Maine that she did not understand the criticism: "I find it extraordinary that certain groups are now targeting me when I've been their advocate here in Washington for 22 years. My voting record clearly shows that."

As for the specifics of what she believes about Dr. Blasey Ford's accusations against Kavanaugh, Collins said, "I believe (she) was sexually assaulted and that that trauma has stayed with her throughout her life. I can not conclude, based on the evidence and the complete lack of corroboration that Brett Kavanaugh was her assailant."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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