Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) demanded on Tuesday that President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee commit to recusing himself on matters related to the president’s financial matters or the Russia investigation before any senator considers voting to confirm him to the Supreme Court.
Blumenthal’s comments came after Trump nominated D.C. Court of Appeals Judge Brett Kavanaugh to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy.
“I’m a no on this nominee,” Blumenthal said during a press conference at the Supreme Court. “My colleagues should be a no on this nominee unless Judge Kavanaugh specifically commits that he will recuse himself on any issues that involve President Trump’s personal financial dealings or the special counsel.”
“He would be the swing vote,” Blumenthal continued. “Judge Kavanaugh, if he is a justice, would be the swing vote in deciding whether he can pardon himself — get out of jail free pass. That’s the accountability that will be lost if Judge Kavanaugh is confirmed. Likewise, whether he can be called before a grand jury — whether he can be indicted while he is still president.”
WATCH: