The two parties will testify separately -- first Ford, followed by Kavanaugh, who will respond -- the Senate Judiciary Committee confirmed. At stake is not only the fate of Trump's hand-picked Supreme Court nominee, but also Republican chances in November's midterm elections that face increased risk if the polarizing confirmation battle drags on. "There is no legitimate basis for you to continue blocking the FBI from investigating this important matter," they wrote. "These serious allegations should be fairly and impartially considered before the Senate moves forward." Republicans, who hold a paper-thin majority in the Senate, can ill afford defections if Kavanaugh is to be approved.

Source: The Nation Bangkok September 23, 2018 23:26 UTC