Alaska Gov. Bill Walker (I) and Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott (D) on Thursday said they oppose Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation by the Senate, where Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R) is considered a key vote.
In a statement, Walker and Mallott cited Kavanaugh’s potential opposition to existing health care and labor laws and laws that help Native American communities. They also referred to the sexual assault allegation against Kavanaugh that has upended his confirmation.
{mosads}“One of our top priorities as Governor and Lieutenant Governor is expanding affordable healthcare access to all Alaskans,” they said. “Key aspects of our nation’s healthcare and labor laws may be at risk if Mr. Kavanaugh receives a lifetime appointment.”
They also noted that Alaska is home to 227 indigenous tribes and said Kavanaugh’s nomination could jeopardize the “Indian Child Welfare Act, Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, and other laws that enable tribal self-determination.”
“Finally, we believe a thorough review of past allegations against Kavanaugh is needed before a confirmation vote takes place. Violence against women in Alaska is an epidemic,” they added.
Murkowski, considered a potential swing vote, has not said how she will vote on President Trump’s second Supreme Court nominee and is not expected to announce her decision before a high-stakes Senate Judiciary Committee hearing currently slated for Monday.
Christine Blasey Ford, the woman who has accused Kavanaugh of sexual assault, said Thursday that she is open to testifying next week under certain conditions. Ford has said that Kavanaugh held her down and attempted to take off her clothing during a high school party in the 1980s.