ICYMI: “A Tumultuous 24 Hours: How Jeff Flake Delayed a Vote on Kavanaugh”

“…The president’s Republican allies on Capitol Hill were determined and confident. After a meeting of Republican senators late Thursday, Mr. Grassley scheduled a 9:30 a.m. hearing for Friday. Senator Mitch McConnell, the majority leader, began talking about a final vote early next week.

A Tumultuous 24 Hours: How Jeff Flake Delayed a Vote on Kavanaugh

New York Times | By: Michael D. Shear, Nicholas Fandos and Michael S. Schmidt

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“But the first evidence of a possible revolt came that same evening. As the president celebrated Judge Kavanaugh’s performance, Mr. Flake slipped away to the office of Senator Susan Collins, Republican of Maine. He huddled there with Ms. Collins, Senator Lisa Murkowski, Republican of Alaska, and Senator Joe Manchin III, Democrat of West Virginia…

“Mr. Flake’s face was grim as he arrived in the committee room and took his seat on the right flank of the dais…

“Almost three hours passed before Mr. Flake — looking increasingly uncomfortable — and Mr. Coons slipped out of the hearing room to begin discussing a possible delay. Senators crowded around, and the arguments continued as Mr. Flake made his decision.

“Quickly, he held a conference call with Ms. Collins and Ms. Murkowski to ensure that he still had their support and that they agreed to a one-week delay. They did.

“Mr. Flake returned to the committee room and announced his intention: He wanted a one-week delay for an investigation but said, ‘I will vote to advance this bill to the floor.’…”

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