- The Washington Times - Friday, October 5, 2018

Republican Sen. Steve Daines of Montana revealed Friday that he has a backup plan for Saturday just in case his vote is needed to confirm Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination.

The Montana senator told NBC News’ Frank Thorp that he can fly back on Rep. Greg Gianforte’s private plane if it comes down to it.

“My good friend and colleague, Greg Gianforte, has come to save the day. If I need to be in two places at once to walk my daughter down the aisle on her wedding day and to be the final vote to put Judge Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court, he’s offered me the use of his plane,” Mr. Daines said. “I appreciate his generosity as well as his dedication to family and country.”

Mr. Daines told The Associated Press Thursday night that he will be at his daughter’s wedding on Saturday even if the Kavanaugh vote landed on the same day. 

The clock is ticking on the Senate’s final vote to decide whether or not Judge Kavanaugh will have a seat on the nation’s highest court.

His nomination advanced Friday afternoon by a razor-thin margin, 51-49, after the previously undecided Sens. Jeff Flake of Arizona, Susan Collins of Maine and Joe Manchin of West Virginia voted to move to a confirmation vote.

The decision will come down to what Ms. Collins and Mr. Manchin decide for the vote currently scheduled for Saturday. Ms. Collins will announce her decision Friday afternoon. 

If they split, Mr. Daines’ yes vote will be needed to even out the scales, and Vice President Mike Pence can cast a tie-breaking vote. 

Press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the White House believes that the GOP has all the votes it needs to get their nominee through.

“I think that we should,” she told reporters.

• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.

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