By WPRO News
Rhode Island’s Democratic leaders in Washington, as well as some here at home, reacted unfavorably to President Donald Trump choosing federal appeals Judge Brett Kavanaugh to fill the Supreme Court seat being vacated by retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy. In a flurry of tweets and statements, officials said abortion rights, healthcare, and other other civil rights would be at stake if Kavanaugh is confirmed.
“While I respect the confirmation process that lies ahead, I am gravely concerned we will miss Justice Kennedy’s independent voice. This is particularly true at a time when the Supreme Court is routinely making decisions that fundamentally affect every aspect of our lives on a very personal level,” said Congressman Jim Langevin.
Langevin also knocked Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell for “pushing for a speedy confirmation despite his purely partisan move” to block President Barack Obama’s Supreme Court pick Merrick Garland.
“The confirmation process will be powered by massive, secretive spending by their phony front groups. That’s why Brett Kavanaugh must convince me he can actually be independent. I, along with the American people, will not tolerate a rigged system anymore,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
“I opposed Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination to a lower court seat because of his overtly partisan background. I did not believe he was a good fit to serve on the DC Circuit then, and I do not think he is a good fit for the Supreme Court now,” added Senator Jack Reed.
Congressman David Cicilline and Governor Gina Raimondo urged Senate Democrats to block Kavanaugh’s confirmation.
I will always stand up for Rhode Islanders and up to Trump. I urge every resident of Rhode Island—the first state founded on the value of tolerance—to urge the Senate not to confirm Kavanaugh: https://t.co/PUozXNlKsJ #StopKavanaugh
— Gina Raimondo (@GinaRaimondo) July 10, 2018
“In my view, it would be an enormous mistake to confirm this nominee who will move the Supreme Court dramatically to the right and out of step with the prevailing views of most Americans for a generation. This is a fight worth having,” Cicilline said.
On the other side of the political aisle, Whitehouse’s Republican challenger Bob Flanders said he would be inclined to vote to approve Kavanaugh.
“Although I would wait to see how the hearings go before deciding whether I would vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, he comes to this appointment with the requisite background and experience,” he said.
