Sen. Jeff Flake said Tuesday that he remains unsure whether Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh or California professor Christine Blasey Ford were telling the truth about the sexual assault allegations levied near the end of a drawn-out Supreme Court confirmation battle.
During an interview on ABC’s “The View,” Mr. Flake said Ms. Blasey Ford was “compelling,” but Mr. Kavanaugh was “very persuasive.” Neither side however fully convinced him that they were telling the truth, despite an additional FBI background investigation.
“I don’t know,” Mr. Flake said, “I wish I had the certitude that some of my colleagues expressed.”
Just before the confirmation vote was first scheduled to take place, Ms. Blasey Ford came forward as the woman behind claims that then-Judge Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her while they were both at a high school party as teens. None of the witnesses who Ms. Blasey Ford said were also at the party could corroborate her story.
The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing specifically tailored to address the allegations made by Ms. Blasey Ford, but a handful of key Republicans were still on the fence.
Mr. Flake helped push for an additional FBI investigation into the allegations, which wrapped up in just one week.
Though the Arizona senator was not convinced on either side, he defended the investigation against criticism that it was a sorry attempt done to give Republicans cover to confirm the nominee.
“It wasn’t a broad investigation, but it was thorough,” Mr. Flake said.
Justice Kavanaugh was confirmed by a narrow 50-48 margin.
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.
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