Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona backs Brett Kavanaugh for Supreme Court
Oct 4, 2018, 2:17 PM | Updated: 2:29 pm
PHOENIX – U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona, who worked as Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court confirmation guide before being appointed to fill the late John McCain’s seat, went on the record Thursday with his support of the nominee.
Speaking on the Senate floor, the Republican said no allegations of sexual misconduct came up during the time he worked, unpaid, as Kavanaugh’s “Sherpa.”
“I conclude that he is eminently qualified to serve on the Supreme Court,” Kyl said.
Kyl said he was convinced Kavanaugh will apply the law fairly and consistently with his past record as a judge.
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Kyl also spoke favorably of Kavanaugh’s temperament, which has been an issue since his appearance during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing last week.
During the hearing, Kavanaugh defiantly denied Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s allegations that he sexually assaulted her when they were high schoolers.
“It was only when responding to attacks on his character that he even showed much emotion,” Kyl said.
The full Senate vote on Kavanaugh’s confirmation is expected to be held Saturday.
Kyl said he resigned from his law firm and stopped working with Kavanaugh immediately after Gov. Doug Ducey selected him on Sept. 4 to replace McCain, who died of brain cancer Aug 25.
Kyl had previously served three terms in the Senate alongside McCain from 1995 to 2013.
His familiarity with the Senate is a reason he was asked in July by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and the White House to be Kavanaugh’s guide in the confirmation process.
