Apparently Fox News has confirmed that Murkowski is still undecided despite her statements this morning suggesting she doesn’t believe Kavanaugh is the right man for the court.
Fox confirms. Murkowski still undeclared on Kavanaugh. But says
“we are dealing with issues that are bigger than a nominee." Called the Kavanaugh nomination the “most difficult” one she’s ever had to make. Adds “In my view, he’s not the right man for the Court at this time.”— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) October 5, 2018
Apparently Collins was among a few Senators that went to lunch with McConnell today. And he’s said to be ‘optimistic’ about tomorrow’s vote:
Colleague Mike Emanuel rpts McConnell lunched today with multiple GOP senators, including GOP ME Sen Collins. McConnell says “we’re heading towards a final vote tomorrow afternoon, and I’m optimistic.”
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) October 5, 2018
His optimism is perhaps suggestive that Collins will vote AYE tomorrow. Here press conference is coming up soon so we’ll find out for sure then.
As an aside, this may delay the process tomorrow a little for those of you counting the seconds…
Senate Rule XXII which governs cloture includes provision which allows senators who have not spoken during the 30 hrs to have up to 10 minutes to speak. That could extend things a bit if used. But this provision is rarely used & generally doesn't extend post-cloture period
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) October 5, 2018
UPDATE: I confused Murkowski and Collins by mistake. Murkowski was not at lunch with Mitch as I suggested – at least that I know of. So I corrected. My bad. They are so easy to confuse!