Brett Kavanaugh said Monday that he’s the victim of attempts at “character assassination” but said he won’t be intimidated into withdrawing his nomination to sit on the Supreme Court.
Judge Kavanaugh, in a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he is looking forward to defending himself at a hearing Thursday against allegations that he attempted to sexually assault another student when he was in high school in the 1980s.
And refuted a new accusation in The New Yorker this weekend that he exposed himself to a classmate at Yale University, also in the 1980s.
“There is now a frenzy to come up with something — anything — that will block this process and a vote on my confirmation from occurring,” Judge Kavanaugh said in his letter.
He added, “I will not be intimidated into withdrawing from this process. The coordinated effort to destroy my good name will not drive me out.”
The nominee said these type of smears “debase” public discourse and threaten individuals who wish to serve the country.
“Such grotesque and obvious character assassination — if allowed to succeed — will dissuade competent and good people of all political persuasions from service,” he said.
After the second accuser came forward Sunday, Democrats said the new information suggests the entire Kavanaugh nomination should be put on hold and that the FBI must be roped in to investigate.
Christine Blasey Ford, the woman who accused Judge Kavanaugh of an attempted sexual assault in high school, said in her own letter to Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles E. Grassley over the weekend that she tried to raise her allegations quietly back in early July after his name appeared on the president’s short list but before Judge Kavanaugh was nominated.
“My original intent was first and foremost to be a helpful citizen – in a confidential way that would minimize collateral damage to all families and friends involved,” she wrote.
Judge Kavanaugh, in his letter, referred to Ms. Blasey Ford, a college professor, as “Dr. Ford.” She, in turn, referred to the judge as “Mr. Kavanaugh.”
She said his “actions, while many years ago, were serious and have had a lasting impact on my life,” and said she is ready to testify about it under oath at a hearing.
Mr. Grassley responded to her Monday, saying he only learned of the allegations in September and immediately began evaluating her claim.
“It’s important to me that you personally know how sincere and thorough this effort has been, including my commitment to make sure committee members and other senators are able to hear directly from you,” Mr. Grassley’s letter said.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.
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