Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh defended his career and his character in an opinion piece published Thursday night as he awaits a planned Saturday vote in the Senate on his nomination.
One week after he had harsh words for Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee as he vigorously pushed back on claims of sexual misconduct and heavy drinking during his high school and college years, Kavanaugh wrote in The Wall Street Journal he would not let his emotions get in the way of his job on the Supreme Court if he is confirmed.
"I do not decide cases based on personal or policy preferences," he wrote. "I am not a pro-plaintiff or pro-defendant judgeI am not a pro-prosecution or pro-defense judge. I am a pro-law judge."
Regarding a Democratic talking point he was too emotional and defensive during last week's hearing, Kavanaugh said he was defending himself and his family.
"My wife and daughters have faced vile and violent threats," Kavanaugh wrote, alluding to the massive opposition to his nomination from the left because of the sexual misconduct claims that lack sufficient evidence.
"Against that backdrop, I testified before the Judiciary Committee last Thursday to defend my family, my good name, and my lifetime of public service," he wrote. "My hearing testimony was forceful and passionate. That is because I forcefully and passionately denied the allegation against me. At times, my testimony — both in my opening statement and in response to questions — reflected my overwhelming frustration at being wrongly accused, without corroboration, of horrible conduct completely contrary to my record and character. My statement and answers also reflected my deep distress at the unfairness of how this allegation has been handled.
"I was very emotional last Thursday, more so than I have ever been. I might have been too emotional at times. I know that my tone was sharp, and I said a few things I should not have said. I hope everyone can understand that I was there as a son, husband, and dad. I testified with five people foremost in my mind: my mom, my dad, my wife, and most of all my daughters."
The Senate will hold a procedural vote on Kavanaugh's nomination Friday morning, which will set up a confirmation vote for Saturday. It is still unclear if Republicans will have the votes to confirm him, as they can only afford to lose one vote.
Kavanaugh spent more than 30 hours testifying in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee in early September and appeared on track to be confirmed before he was accused of sexually assaulting a woman when they were in high school 36 years ago. Kavanaugh has firmly denied that allegation and others that have cropped up, for which no corroborating evidence has surfaced.
Kavanaugh, who has served on the Circuit Court of Appeals since 2006, said his judicial philosophy and temperament will not change if he makes it onto the nation's highest court.
"Going forward, you can count on me to be the same kind of judge and person I have been for my entire 28-year legal career: hardworking, even-keeled, open-minded, independent and dedicated to the Constitution and the public good," he wrote.
"As a judge, I have always treated colleagues and litigants with the utmost respect. I have been known for my courtesy on and off the bench. I have not changed. I will continue to be the same kind of judge I have been for the last 12 years. And I will continue to contribute to our country as a coach, volunteer, and teacher. Every day I will try to be the best husband, dad, and friend I can be.
"I will remain optimistic, on the sunrise side of the mountain. I will continue to see the day that is coming, not the day that is gone."
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