Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh began making courtesy calls Tuesday with senators who will vote on his Supreme Court nomination, as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell pronounced President Trump’s choice “outstanding.”
A day after Mr. Trump announced the nomination, Judge Kavanaugh visited Capitol Hill with Vice President Mike Pence and former Sen. Jon Kyl, who is serving to guide the nominee through the confirmation process.
Mr. Pence said the nominee “is unquestionably the most qualified and most deserving nominee for the Supreme Court of the United States.”
“We’re honored to be able to bring him here to the United States Senate and begin the important work the Senate will do discharging its constitutional duties to consider this good man as the president’s nominee to the Supreme Court,” the vice president said.
Judiciary Chairman Charles E. Grassley, Iowa Republican, also met with the nominees and said their conversation was “pleasant.”
“We’re going to have a thorough process. Hopefully it is efficient and we get it done quickly,” Mr. Grassley told reporters.
Mr. McConnell said the confirmation process “will unfold in the next few weeks.”
An outside adviser to the White House, Leonard Leo, said that hearings could begin by Aug. 20.
Judge Kavanaugh, 53, has served on the federal Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit for 12 years. Mr. Trump nominated him to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Anthony M. Kennedy.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.