Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh says a 1973 Supreme Court decision that established a constitutional right to an abortion is an "important precedent" that has "been reaffirmed many times." (Sept. 5) AP
9/4/18 4:53:46 PM -- Washington, DC, U.S.A -- Supreme Court Associate Justice nominee Brett Kavanaugh appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee during his confirmation hearing on Sept. 4, 2018 in Washington. Kavanaugh was nominated by President Donald Trump to replace Justice Anthony Kennedy,who retired from the Supreme Court in July. -- Photo by Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Staff ORG XMIT: JG 137433 Kavanaugh Confir 9/4/2018 (Via OlyDrop)(Photo: Jack Gruber, USA TODAY)
Sen. Joe Donnelly is weighing perhaps the most polarizing decision he has faced during his six years in the Senate — and he is doing so while confronting unprecedented pressure from both sides of the political aisle.
That decision: whether or not to vote for President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, who this week was the subject of an especially contentious Senate confirmation hearing.
Donnelly's decision could not only affect the balance of power on the nation's highest court, but it might also very well determine his political future.
Donnelly, a Democrat, has a slight edge over his opponent, Republican businessman Mike Braun, in the fight for his Senate seat, according to a recent poll[1]. That said, the race has largely been labeled a toss-up. Just two months out from the election, Donnelly risks losing Trump supporters and Republicans if he votes against Kavanaugh — and his base if he votes for him.
Donnelly has met with Kavanaugh[2] but hasn't indicated how he will vote.
More: How Donnelly’s stand on abortion could define his career — and loom over re-election bid[3]
Indiana Senate race: New poll shows
