Senator Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, said she “absolutely” favours reopening an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh if her party takes control of the chamber next year.
Ms Feinstein, who is line to become chairwoman of the committee if Democrats prevail, was asked about the prospect during a debate on Wednesday in San Francisco as she seeks re-election to her senate seat.
“Oh, I’d be in favour of opening up the allegations. Absolutely,” she said.
Mr Kavanaugh’s confirmation proceedings were roiled by allegations of decades-old misconduct from three women, including Christine Blasey Ford, who testified to the Judiciary Committee that a drunken Mr Kavanaugh assaulted her while both were in high school. Mr Kavanaugh vigorously denied all allegations.
Mr Kavanaugh’s confirmation was delayed for a week to allow for a limited FBI investigation into Ms Ford’s allegations and those of another accuser. Republicans said interviews conducted by the FBI unearthed nothing to corroborate the claims, while Democrats said the probe was too narrow in scope to be enlightening.
Republicans quickly pushed back on Ms Feinstein’s suggestion that more scrutiny is needed.
“Apparently one kick of a mule is not enough for Senator Feinstein,” Republican senator Lindsey Graham said during an appearance on Wednesday night on Fox News’ Hannity show.
“Here’s what I want every Democratic candidate for the Senate to be asked tomorrow: Do you agree with Dianne Feinstein?” Graham said. “Are you for more humiliation, degrading treatment of this fine man? Are you for continuing the this debacle?”
Ms Feinstein was criticised by many of her Republican colleagues for not sharing a letter she received from Ms Ford in July that outlined her allegations. Ms Feinstein said she honoured a request from Ms Ford to remain anonymous until her name leaked out.
Ms Feinstein faces another Democrat, Kevin de León, the president pro tem of the California state Senate, in next month’s election. Under the rules of California’s “jungle” primary, the top two finishers advance to the general election regardless of party.
The Washington Post
