FAIRBANKS—Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski is once again again in the spotlight for comments on allegations of sexual misconduct made against U.S. Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh.
California professor Christine Blasey Ford has said Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her at a party when both were in high school. Another woman, Deborah Ramirez, says Kavanaugh exposed himself to her at a college party. He has denied both accusations.
When asked Tuesday by reporters in Washington if she would support an FBI investigation into the allegations, Murkowski responded "It would sure clear up all the questions, wouldn’t it?" Murkowski later told Alaska Public Media's Washington reporter, Liz Ruskin, that the response to the question was "perhaps somewhat flip" and that she's not calling for an FBI investigation.
Karina Borger, a spokeswoman for Murkowski, said the senator thinks it is important that allegations are taken seriously.
"Senator Murkowski said it is important that we have a process that is viewed as credible and respected," Borger wrote in an email to the News-Miner. "She supports Chairman (Chuck) Grassley in his effort to make sure that we have a hearing that ensures a level of due process that allows for both Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh to be heard."
Borger noted that Murkowski feels it's "important to remember if the FBI investigates these allegations, that it would be part of a continuation of the multiple background checks the FBI has already conducted."
"She said she’s not the one to answer if it’s time for the FBI to investigate these allegations," Borger said of Murkowski.
Murkowski, along with Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins, is considered one of few possible GOP votes that could derail a Kavanaugh nomination if it comes to the Senate floor.
Murkowski noted in an interview with The New York Times that the need for investigation goes beyond Kavanaugh's hearing and has to do with listening to possible victims.
"We are now in a place where it’s not about whether or not Judge Kavanaugh is qualified," Murkowski told The Times in an interview Monday night. "It is about whether or not a woman who has been a victim at some point in her life is to be believed."
Regardless of outcome, Murkowski has put emphasis on making sure the process is just.
"All you can try to do is be as fair as possible to ensure that at the end of the day justice is delivered," Murkowski told the Times.
Murkowski noted that arguments on both sides have become heated.
"We are at just a difficult place because the conversation is not rational on either side," she said. "Just look at some of the hateful things that are being said out there. How do you dial that back?"
Murkowski has previously encouraged careful consideration of testimony from Ford as well as Kavanaugh.
"We have to listen to what she will say on the record, under oath, and what Judge Kavanaugh will say on the record, under oath," Murkowski continued.
Mounting allegations and a passionate social media campaign from sexual assault survivors across the country has not slowed Senate Republican momentum to confirm Kavanaugh sooner rather than later.
The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to hear Thursday from Kavanaugh and Ford. The committee could vote Friday.
Senators may stay in session over the weekend to begin voting on the nominee, with a final vote possible early next week.
Contact staff writer Erin McGroarty at 459-7544. Follow her on Twitter: @FDNMPolitics.
