Murkowski while opposing Kavanaugh said now to vote present as courtesy to Daines
She should be given no credit whatsoever from Republicans as she played for the Democrats throughout the last three weeks and her vote on final approval does not matter
From AP (excerpt)
In a twist, Murkowski said she will state her opposition but vote “present” as a courtesy to Kavanaugh supporter Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., who is attending his daughter’s wedding in Montana. That procedure lets a senator offset another’s absence without affecting the outcome, and will allow Kavanaugh to win by the same two-vote margin he’d have received had both lawmakers voted.
Other arrangements with Daines were possible to insure his vote. This is allowing Murkowski to have it both ways and the majority leader /establishment should make the other arrangements instead.
Now that Kavanaugh is likely in, it should be understood that our support was political and practical and in response to Democrat outrageous activity that could not be tolerated as NO candidate would have a chance should they have succeeded. But will Kavanaugh be another Kennedy or someone better? We will see. More later. R Mall
It has ended well. As if it ever ends. One month. Much will be made plain.