Republicans are bracing for political aftershocks from the sexual assault accusation against Supreme Court nominee Brett M. Kavanaugh, with some expressing fear that the coming investigation will refocus the nation’s attention on an issue that could drive up the Democratic vote in the midterm elections. The election came one year after Justice Clarence Thomas was confirmed to the Supreme Court despite allegations that he had sexually harassed a subordinate, Anita Hill, in the workplace. Democratic strategists say the dynamic could change in the coming weeks, especially if Republicans mishandle the investigation of Ford’s allegations. “I don’t think the vote should be delayed,” Rep. Marsha Blackburn, the Republican Senate candidate in Tennessee, said in a Monday morning radio interview before McConnell and Trump spoke. Republicans could argue that the future of the Supreme Court really was at stake in the hope of mobilizing the Republican base, which polls show is less excited about the coming elections.

Source: Washington Post September 18, 2018 00:34 UTC