Murkowski: I'll Be Voting ‘Present’ For Kavanaugh Confirmation Vote

In a speech on the Senate floor Friday night, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) announced that she would be voting “present” at Supreme Court Justice nominee Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation vote Saturday as a “courtesy” to Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), who will be at his daughter's wedding. Murkowski said that vote would ensure the margin ends up the same as if Daines had been there . Murkowski also elaborated on her decision earlier on Friday to oppose Kavanaugh's confirmation, and said that Justices “must meet the highest standard in all respects at all times.” She went on: “In my conscience — because that's how I have to vote, the end of the day, is with my conscience — I could not conclude he is the right person for the court at this time."