Oct. 5 (UPI) -- By a razor-thin margin, the Senate voted Friday to move forward with a final confirmation vote for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.
The Senate voted mostly down party lines, 51-49.
The procedural vote starts the clock for final debate on the nomination and sets up the final vote, which could happen as soon as Saturday -- or as late as Tuesday, with Congress off for Columbus Day. The vote Friday started a 30-hour maximum time frame to wrap up debate on Kavanaugh's appointment.
After weeks of emotional testimony, Kavanaugh's success or failure hinges on a handful of key Senate voters -- like West Virginia Democrat Joe Manchin, who broke ranks to vote "yes" in Friday's vote and Maine Republican Susan Collins, who, in a 45-minute speech on the Senator floor, said she would vote "yes."
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell is estimated to have 51 senators who will vote to confirm Kavanaugh. If there is a 50-50 tie, Vice President Mike Pence will cast the deciding vote.
Collins and Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., who called for the FBI investigation, are considered key votes.
Speaking on the Senate floor Friday, Collins said that though she found testimony by Christine Blasey Ford painful and compelling, there wasn't enough evidence to convince her that Kavanaugh more than likely assaulted her at a party in 1982.
"I do not believe that these charges can fairly prevent Judge Kavanaugh from serving on the court," she said.
Shortly after her speech, Manchin tweeted his support for Kavanaugh.
"I have reservations about this vote given the serious accusations against Judge Kavanaugh and the temperament he displayed in the hearing," he said in a statement. "And my heart goes out to anyone who has experienced any type of sexual assault in their life.
"I do hope that Judge Kavanaugh will not allow the partisan nature this process took to follow him onto the court."
On Friday evening, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska became the lone Republican to break with her party, saying she was against Kavanaugh's nomination. She said that though she "will be a no tomorrow," she will vote "present" out of respect for Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., who will not be able to attend the vote because he will be at his daughter's wedding.
"I believe that Judge Kavanaugh is a good man ... But in my conscience, because that's how I have to vote ... I could not conclude that he is the right person for the court at this time," she said on the Senate floor.
Thursday, the full Senate had the opportunity to review the FBI's investigative report into accusations of sexual assault by Kavanaugh from two women during their high school and college years. The conclusions in the report, which was not made public, did not provide concrete proof of wrongdoing.
Republicans said the report shows Kavanaugh's nomination should proceed and Democrats said it was too limited in scope and should be made public.
Complicating matters is the fact that Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., will be at his daughter's wedding Saturday so he could miss the vote or force a delay.
Friday, President Donald Trump again tweeted support for his second high court appointee.
"Very proud of the U.S. Senate for voting 'YES' to advance the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh!" his tweet read.
"Honestly, I think a lot of Democrats should change their mind and do the right thing and [confirm] Judge Kavanaugh," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters Friday afternoon.
In an op-ed Thursday in the Wall Street Journal, Kavanaugh again defended himself against the accusations.
"My time in high school and college, more than 30 years ago, has been ridiculously distorted," Kavanaugh said. "My wife and daughters have faced vile and violent threats."
He also said he was "very emotional ... more so than I have ever been" when he testified before the Senate judiciary committee last week.
"I know that my tone was sharp, and I said a few things I should not have said," Kavanaugh said. "I hope everyone can understand that I was there as a son, husband and dad. I testified with five people foremost in my mind: my mom, my wife and most of all my daughters."
If appointed to the Supreme Court, Kavanaugh said he would continue to be the same even-keeled, open-minded and independent judge he's been for his 28-year legal career.
Retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens said Thursday that Kavanaugh is not qualified to sit on the high court because of prejudices revealed during his Senate testimony. Stevens, 98, who retired from the court in 2010, initially supported Kavanaugh.
"They suggest that he has demonstrated a potential bias involving enough potential litigants before the court that he would not be able to perform his full responsibilities," Stevens told a group of retirees in Boca Raton, Fla., The Palm Beach Post reported. "I've changed my views for reasons that have really no relationship to his intellectual ability or his record as a federal judge. But I think that his performance during the hearings caused me to change my mind."
Stevens recalled the similar controversy surrounding then-nominee Clarence Thomas in 1991, saying Thomas didn't do anything to disqualify himself during Senate hearings. Thomas was ultimately confirmed, and he and Stevens often disagreed in their opinions.
"You cannot help but like Clarence Thomas, which I don't think necessarily would be true of this particular nominee," Stevens said.
Kavanaugh's controversial nomination has drawn hundreds of protesters to Capitol Hill -- more than 300 of whom were arrested Thursday.
Brett Kavanaugh, Christine Blasey Ford testify in Senate
Judge Brett Kavanaugh testifies to the Senate judiciary committee during his Supreme Court confirmation hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Photo by Erin Schaff/UPI
Senate judiciary committee member Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., makes comments during Judge Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court confirmation hearing. Photo by Win McNamee/UPI
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., speaks as Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh testifies. Photo by Andrew Harnik/UPI
Senate judiciary committee member Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., questions Judge Brett Kavanaugh during his Supreme Court confirmation hearing. Photo by Win McNamee/UPI
Senate judiciary committee members (L-R) Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, talk at the conclusion of the Supreme Court confirmation hearing for Judge Brett Kavanaugh. Photo by Win McNamee/UPI
Senate judiciary committee member Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, questions Judge Brett Kavanaugh. Photo by Win McNamee/UPI
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., questions Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Photo by Andrew Harnik/UPI
Kavanaugh is sworn in before testifying. Photo by Tom Williams/UPI
Kavanaugh testifies to the committee. Photo by Win McNamee/UPI
Rachel Mitchell (R), a prosecutor from Arizona, asks questions to Kavanaugh (L) as he testifies. Photo by Saul Loeb/UPI
Kavanaugh testifies before the committee. Photo by Saul Loeb/UPI
Kavanaugh's parents, Everett and Martha Kavanaugh, listen to their son testify. Photo by Win McNamee/UPI
Actress Alyssa Milano (R) listens as Kavanaugh testifies. Photo by Saul LoebUPI
Ashley Estes Kavanaugh (R), wife of Brett Kavanaugh, listens as he testifies. Photo by Andrew Harnik/UPI
Brett Kavanaugh (C) walks with his wife Ashley as he makes his way to his confirmation hearing. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
Kavanaugh (C) walks to his Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearing. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
Senate judiciary committee Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, arrives for the Senate Judiciary confirmation hearing. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
The Senate judiciary committee holds a hearing for Christine Blasey Ford to testify about sexual assault allegations against Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh. Photo by Erin Schaff/UPI
Ford (R) smiles next to her attorney Debra Katz (L), who reacts at the conclusion of testimony. Photo by Jim Bourg/UPI
Ford shakes hands with Phoenix prosecutor Rachel Mitchell. Photo by Michael Reynolds/UPI
Ford becomes emotional as she listens to Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J. Photo by Andrew Harnik/UPI
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., cries as Ford testifies. Photo by Andrew Harnik/UPI
A student from Holton-Arms School, Christine Blasey Ford's alma mater, attends the hearing where Ford testifies. Photo by Win McNamee/UPI
Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., talks to Ford. Photo by Saul Loeb/UPI
Sen. John Cornyn (L), R-Texas, and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., talks as Ford speaks. Photo by Michael Reynolds/UPI
Senate judiciary committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa looks on during a break in the hearing. Photo by Jim Bourg/UPI
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., holds her baby Maile, as she talks to protesters who are demonstrating against Supreme Court Justice nominee Brett Kavanaugh in front of the Supreme Court. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
Demonstrators protest against Supreme Court Justice nominee Brett Kavanaugh in front of the Supreme Court. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
Emily Brown, of Washington, D.C., participates in a protest against Kavanaugh. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
Demonstrators protest against Kavanaugh. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
Demonstrators protest in front of the Supreme Court. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
Demonstrators protest against Kavanaugh. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
A demonstrator protests in front of the Supreme Court. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
A demonstrator protests against Kavanaugh. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J. and Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., listen as Ford testifies. Photo By Tom Williams/UPI
Ford speaks before the committee. Photo by Michael Reynolds/UPI
Attorney Debra Katz (L) puts her hand on Ford as she testifies. Photo by Andrew Harnik/UPI
A tears runs down the cheek of Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., as Ford testifies. Photo By Tom Williams/UPI
Ford (C) and her attorneys Debra Katz (L) and Michael Bromwich take a break from testifying. Photo by Win McNamee/UPI
Rachel Mitchell, counsel for Senate judiciary committee Republicans, questions Ford as senators, from left to right, Ben Sasse, R-Neb., Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Mike Lee, R-Utah, and John Cornyn, R-Texas, listen. Photo by Tom Williams/UPI
Ford (L) pictured with lawyer Michael R. Bromwich. Photo by Win McNamee /UPI
Ford testifies during the Senate judiciary committee hearing. Photo by Tom Williams/UPI
Ford testifies before the U.S. Senate judiciary committee with her Counsels Debra S Katz (L) and Michael R Bromwich (R) on Capitol Hill. Photo by Soul Loeb/UPI
Rachel Mitchell, the chief of the Special Victims Division of the Maricopa County attorney's office in Arizona, asks questions to Ford using a map of where Ford lived during high school with her parents. Photo by Michael Reynolds/UPI
Mitchell uses a map of the area around the Columbia Country Club in suburban Maryland while questioning Ford. Photo by Andrew Harnik/UPI
Senate judiciary committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, speaks as Ford testifies. Photo by Andrew Harnik/UPI
Mike Lee (L), R-Utah, and Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, listen during the hearing. Photo by Melina Mara/UPI
Ford testifies before the U.S. Senate judiciary committee. Photo by Saul Loeb/UPI
Rachel Mitchell asks questions to Ford. Photo by Michael Reynolds/UPI
Demonstrators protest against Supreme Court Justice nominee Brett Kavanaugh in front of the Supreme Court. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
Demonstrators protest. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
Demonstrators protest against Kavanaugh. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
Demonstrators protest against Kavanaugh inside the Hart Senate Office Building while the judiciary committee hears testimony from Ford. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
Demonstrators protest against Kavanaugh. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
Demonstrators protest against Kavanaugh. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
A demonstrator protests inside the Hart Senate Office Building. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
A demonstrator protests against Kavanaugh. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
Demonstrators protest against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh inside the Hart Senate Office Building. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
Christine Blasey Ford (C) is sworn in before testifying to the Senate judiciary committee with her attorneys Debra Katz (L) and Michael Bromwich (R) in the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Photo by Win McNamee/UPI
Ford prepares to testify. Photo By Tom Williams/UPI
Senate judiciary committee chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa, talks to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., the ranking member before Ford testifies. Photo by Andrew Harnik/UPI
Senate judiciary committee member Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., listens to opening statements. Photo by Win McNamee/UPI
Christine Blasey Ford arrives to testify in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill. Photo by Michael Reynolds/UPI
Ford (L) talks with her attorney Michael Bromwich as she prepares to testify. Photo by Win McNamee/UPI
Prosecutor Rachel Mitchell, who will be questioning Ford, prepares prior to the hearing. Photo by Jim Bourg/UPI
The desk where Ford will sit holds a sign with her name on it ahead of a Senate judiciary committee hearing. Pool Photo by Jim Bourg/UPI
Demonstrators protest the Supreme Court nomination of Kavanaugh in front of the Supreme Court. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
Actress Alyssa Milano (L) hugs Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., in the hearing room before the start of Ford's appearance at the Senate judiciary committee. Pool Photo by Tom Williams/UPI
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley stands with an aide as he surveys the room prior to a Senate judiciary committee hearing. Photo by Jim Bourg/UPI
Sens. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Kamala Harris, D-Calif., speak before the Senate judiciary committee hearing. Photo by Michael Reynolds/UPI
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