Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine said she's going to conduct a "careful, thorough vetting" of President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee.
Trump announced Monday night that he's selected Brett Kavanaugh, a solidly conservative judge, to replace retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy.
That sets up a ferocious confirmation battle with Democrats who are pressuring Collins and Republican Lisa Murkowski of Alaska to oppose any nominee who threatens Roe v. Wade ruling that made abortions legal.
Collins has said she would oppose any nominee she believed would overturn Roe v. Wade. She stressed that she wants to back a judge who would show respect for settled law such as the Roe decision.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
