The American Bar Association has reportedly dropped its evaluation of Brett Kavanaugh, which it reopened after several women came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct. The ABA had initially given Kavanaugh a rating of “Well Qualified” — the highest possible rating — but the organization decided to take a second look after the accusations surfaced and Kavanaugh responded to them in heated testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
An ABA official told CNN on Monday that the organization is no longer reviewing their initial decision, since Kavanaugh has already been confirmed to the Supreme Court.
Indeed, the ABA’s website does say, “once a justice or judge is confirmed, the Standing Committee’s rating process is closed.”
The initial evaluation had been based on substantial examinations of nominees for judicial positions, including interviews with those who can attest to their character. Members of the committee who performed Kavanaugh’s evaluation testified at this confirmation hearing in September, praising his integrity.
After allegations from Christine Blasey Ford, Deborah Ramirez, and Julie Swetnick, however, the ABA decided to review their decision. In a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee dated October 5, they said:
New information of a material nature regarding temperament during the September 27th hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee has prompted a reopening of the Standing Committee’s evaluation. The Committee does not expect to complete a process and re-vote prior to the scheduled Senate vote.
Kavanaugh went back before the Senate Judiciary Committee after the allegations came to light, delivering a heated opening statement and and occasionally responding to Democrats’ questions in a contentious manner, drawing either criticism or praise depending on whether the viewer believed him or not.
Now that Kavanaugh has been confirmed to the Supreme Court after a 50-48 vote, it’s a moot point, so there is no need for their reevaluation to continue.
[Image via SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images]
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