Vangie Williams Statement on the Confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh

October 7, 2018

Contact: Sheri Shannon, [email protected]

Yesterday was a sad day for our country.

A new Supreme Court Justice was confirmed on what was largely a party-line vote in the Senate and then quickly sworn-in behind closed doors. All of this transpired with protesters on the Capitol and Supreme Court steps. I understand and share the pain and rage of those who were protesting.

The abuse of power that was used to force his confirmation ignored credible allegations of sexual assault against Judge Brett Kavanaugh.

The true and thorough due process that we require to confirm justices to the highest court of the land was bypassed with a disregard for public sentiment and the serious problem of sexual harassment and assault in our society.

I firmly believe Judge Kavanaugh should not have been confirmed to the Supreme Court based on his demeanor, lack of impartiality and judicial temperament. His demeanor and tone during the confirmation hearings were not only disrespectful and evasive, but were also unbecoming of a judge – so much so that ethics complaints have been filed over the matter. It certainly was not the type of conduct we expect from those who sit on our nation’s highest court and will ultimately be charged with deciding significantly important policy issues presented by attorneys and/or organizations holding positions that he may disagree with.

And sadly, as a result, there will be an entire generation of Supreme Court decisions that will carry an asterisk – if not literally, at least in the minds of millions of Americans.

So now today is the day after. More questions have been left unanswered than have been answered. But there is one ray of hope on the horizon: a new generation of leaders on the ballot this year who will not stand on the sidelines any longer.

I am proud to be among those leaders ready to serve the people of this country, not the politics of the powerful.

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