Kavanaugh's Supreme Court Nomination Clears Key Senate Hurdle

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WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate has pushed Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court past a key procedural hurdle.

The chamber voted 51-49 to move forward with President Donald Trump's nominee.

A final vote on Kavanaugh's nomination could occur over the weekend.

There's no guarantee that the senators who supported moving forward will back Kavanaugh on the final vote.

Sen. Susan Collins will vote yes on Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court.

The remaining undecided Democrat, Sen. Joe Manchin, says he will support Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

President Donald Trump is praising the Senate for pushing Kavanaugh past a key procedural hurdle.

Trump tweeted Friday: "Very proud of the U.S. Senate for voting "YES" to advance the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh!"

Very proud of the U.S. Senate for voting "YES" to advance the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 5, 2018

Kavanaugh's nomination has been imperiled by accusations of sexual misconduct. He forcefully denied the allegations.

The 53-year-old judge made what were in effect closing arguments by acknowledging that he became "very emotional" when he denied the allegations at a Judiciary Committee hearing last week. But in an op-ed published Thursday he insists he remains the same "hardworking, even-keeled" person as always.

(Photo Credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Tensions are high at the Capitol, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is pushing ahead with little room for error. Republicans have a slim 51-49 hold on the Senate. A final vote is expected Saturday.

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