Late Friday morning Montana Democratic Senator Jon Tester announced his decision to oppose the confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court. Here's the press release in its entirety:
"(Big Sandy, Mont.)—U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced he will vote against the confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh, the nominee to serve a lifetime appointment on the United States Supreme Court.
“I have concerns that Judge Kavanaugh defended the PATRIOT Act instead of Montanans' privacy. I have concerns about his support for more dark money in politics. I have concerns about who he believes is in charge of making personal health decisions. And I have deep concerns about the allegations of sexual assault against Judge Kavanaugh. Unfortunately, Judge Kavanaugh couldn’t find time to discuss these concerns with me in person, so the only information I have is from what he said in his hearings. I’ll be voting against him.”
Judge Kavanaugh helped the Bush Administration craft a program of mass domestic surveillance. He ruled in favor of increased government surveillance under the PATRIOT Act in Klayman v. Obama.
Tester requested a meeting with Judge Kavanaugh numerous times, but the White House refused to commit to a specific date and time.
Tester received thousands of emails and calls from Montanans about Judge Kavanaugh, a majority of which were opposed to his nomination."
