DEMS/GOP/SENATE/SUPREME COURT/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT: “Judge Brett Kavanaugh launched his courtship Tuesday [7-10-18] of the senators who will determine whether he ascends to the Supreme Court, the first salvo of the summer’s fiercest political battle. In their opening move, Republicans touted Judge Kavanaugh’s academic credentials and long record of decisions, while Democrats flagged concerns about how he could tilt the court to the right on health care, abortion and other polarizing issues. Judge Kavanaugh walked up the steps of the U.S. Capitol next to Vice President Mike Pence before starting a marathon series of meetings with individual senators that will stretch over several weeks. Republicans have 51 seats in the 100-member Senate, but with Sen. John McCain (R., Ariz.) fighting brain cancer in Arizona, they are currently operating with only 50 lawmakers to the Democrats’ 49. A simple majority is required to confirm the nominee, with the vice president able to break a tie. A handful of Democrats from states that supported President Donald Trump, a Republican, in 2016 are considered possible ‘yes’ votes.”
–Kristina Peterson and Peter Nicholas, “Brett Kavanaugh Woos Senators as Battle Kicks Off Over Supreme Court Pick,” The Wall Street Journal, July 11, 2018 7:44 pm