After witnessing yesterday’s testimony, it’s hard to believe that GOP Senators are still excusing Brett Kavanaugh and dismissing the brave personal story shared by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford.
Over the course of this sham hearing, the GOP has left no doubt that standing by Brett Kavanaugh is a far greater priority than believing survivors of sexual assault, like Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, and Americans are paying close attention.
As the Washington Post said today, this confirmation fight could “place House Republicans in deeper jeopardy of losing their majority” given suburban voters’ rejection of Brett Kavanaugh and the GOP’s treatment of the confirmation process. And as reported in CNN, “in swing states with governor’s races and districts with House seats up for grabs – particularly suburban regions where Democrats are counting on strong support from women – the allegation facing Kavanaugh could be most politically potent.”
Meanwhile, NARAL endorsed candidates up and down the ballot have done the right thing, stood up, and praised Dr. Ford’s brave retelling of her sexual assault. Here’s some of what they had to say:
Ann Kirkpatrick – AZ-2: I believe her, I find it shocking that Judge Kavanaugh, President Trump, and Senate Republicans would call these allegations a political hit. I urge the Senate Judiciary Committee to open an independent FBI investigation before voting. #AZ02 (LINK)
Katie Hill – CA-25: Dr. Ford, as a woman and fellow survivor, I believe you and stand with you. As an American, I am deeply thankful for your bravery. (LINK)
Mike Levin – CA-49: Dr. Ford’s extraordinarily brave and highly credible testimony today requires that the FBI conduct a thorough investigation into the multiple allegations against Brett Kavanaugh. This must be done prior to any vote on his confirmation. Anything less and this process is a sham. (LINK)
Katie Porter – CA-45: I urge the Senate to treat Dr. Christine Blasey Ford with the respect that she is due for her courage to come forward. Her story deserves to be heard and the FBI needs to fully investigate. #BelieveWomen #BelieveSurvivors (LINK)
Jared Polis – Gov CO: Dr. Ford’s testimony is courageous, compelling, and credible — Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination should not go forward. (LINK)
Jason Crow – CO-6: I believe Dr. Blasey Ford. Her sworn testimony today was incredibly brave and needed to be heard. This is a lifetime appointment to our nation’s highest court, and our leaders must send an unequivocal message that sexual violence will not be tolerated. The defense of our country’s decency and moral fiber is more important than any partisan process. Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination should be withdrawn immediately. (LINK)
Debbie Mucarsel-Powell – FL-26: I hope every member of the Senate Judiciary Committee will take Dr. Blasey Ford’s words to heart. I admire her courage and stand with her. #KavanaughHearings (LINK)
Lauren Baer – FL-18: Today I spoke with a survivor of sexual assault who told me how shame had for years kept him silent. To him, and to Christine Blasey Ford, and to every other survivor who has been brave enough to come forward, thank you. #BelieveSurvivors (LINK)
Sean Casten – IL-6: The strength of Dr Ford to go through this is astounding. The character and decency of Kavanaugh and the committee will be shown by how they respond. (LINK)
Tina Smith – MN, U.S. Senate: I have been incredibly moved by the testimony of Dr. Blasey Ford, and the honesty, courage, and conviction of both her actions and her words. Let this be a turning point – on the Supreme Court and in the lives of every American, men included. (LINK)
Haley Stevens – MN-11: Dr. Ford, thank you for your courage and patriotism in testifying today. I can’t imagine how you must be feeling, but please know a legion of people are standing with you. #BelieveWomen #BelieveSurvivors (LINK)
Tom Malinowski – NJ-7: Our district deserves a representative who will #BelieveSurvivors. @NARAL @NationalNOW @PPFA (LINK)
Deb Haaland – NM-1: “I am not here because I want to be. I am terrified. I am here because I believe it is my civic duty.” – Dr. Ford begins. Thank you for your courage. (LINK)
Jacky Rosen – NV, U.S. Senate: [email protected] brought community advocates, allies, and survivors together to discuss how we move beyond the #MeToo movement and put an end to the culture of sexual violence. We must do more to listen to survivors and hold those abusing their power accountable. (LINK)
Steven Horsford – NV-4: #IBelieveChristine (LINK)
Susan Wild – PA-7: We MUST believe survivors. (LINK)
Jennifer Wexton – VA-10: Today Dr. Ford is standing up to tell her story. For daring to speak out, she has been met with powerful people trying to silence her, Senators who refuse to investigate her allegations, and President Trump’s attacks. I believe her, and I support survivors. #BelieveSurvivors (LINK)
NARAL Pro-Choice America and its network of state affiliates are dedicated to protecting and expanding reproductive freedom for all Americans. NARAL works to guarantee that every woman has the right to make personal decisions regarding the full range of reproductive choices, including preventing unintended pregnancy, bearing healthy children, and choosing legal abortion. In recognition of its work defending our constitutional right to choose, Fortune Magazine described NARAL as “one of the top 10 advocacy groups in America.”