Opposition to Kavanaugh builds in Alaska, increasing pressure on Murkowski – By Joan McCarter (dailykos.com) / Sept 20 2018
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) continues to be characteristically quite on her thinking on the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. What we know is that there is mounting opposition to it among Alaska stakeholders, particularly the Alaska Native community who see a grave and certain threat to their rights from Kavanaugh.
That pressure is increasing, with the state’s independent Gov. Bill Walker, as well as Lt. Gov. Byorn Mallot, announcing their opposition to Kavanaugh’s confirmation. “One of our top priorities as Governor and Lieutenant Governor is expanding affordable healthcare access to all Alaskans,” they write. “Another priority of our administration is protecting the rights of working Alaskans.”
“Mr. Kavanaugh’s record,” they continue, “does not demonstrate a commitment to legal precedent that protects working families.” They also write that Kavanaugh’s appointment could “jeopardize the Indian Child Welfare Act, Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, and other laws that enable tribal self-determination due to his overly narrow view of the relationship between federal and tribal governments.” The conclude with a call for a “thorough review of past allegations” against Kavanaugh, stressing that “violence against women in Alaska is an epidemic,” and that they cannot “condone placing someone into one of our nation’s highest positions of power while so many key questions remain unanswered.”
That’s just about every solid talking point Murkowski would need to defend a vote against Kavanaugh. Healthcare, check. Native rights, check. Workers’ rights, check. Women’s rights, check. It’s practically tailor-made for her, and very well could be. It’s possible she’s made her decision and communicated it to the people she needs to cover her. At this point, it seems likely as not Murkowski is going to vote against this nominee.
That will make Susan Collins look even more craven if she ends up supporting Kavanaugh, refusing to stand bravely shoulder-to-shoulder once again with her old friend. So, let’s go, Sen. Murkowski. Oppose this guy. It’s the right thing to do.
