Former President George W. Bush has stepped to the plate in support of his guy, Brett Kavanaugh, whom he nominated to serve on the D.C. Circuit court during his term.
According to The Washington Post, the former president has been calling key swing vote senators to whip up support for Kavanaugh, who has been accused by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford of sexually assaulting her at a pool party over 35 years ago. Kavanaugh has denied the allegations and said under oath Thursday that his treatment has been a “national disgrace.”
The Washington Post did not say if the former president had made the calls following Kavanaugh’s powerful testimony on Thursday, though Politico reports that sources close to Bush say he still supports his nomination.
Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Jeff Flake of Arizona, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska have all received calls from Bush, who inarguably has more pull with them than President Trump.
Bush’s relationship with Kavanaugh goes all the way back to the early-2000s when the judge worked for him during the Florida recount. The former president nominated him to serve on the D.C. Circuit court in 2003, which was held up for three years.
Bush fully supported Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court upon President Trump’s announcement. “He is a fine husband, father, and friend — and a man of the highest integrity. He will make a superb Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States,” Bush said.
At least two swing votes, Jeff Flake and Bob Corker, have said they will be voting “Yes” on Kavanaugh. GOP insiders have also claimed they have the votes to confirm him.
