'The news was splashed all over websites Wednesday morning: Maine Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican, had decided to vote to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court' Analysis by Chris Cillizza
"After reviewing Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's extensive record, watching much of her hearing testimony, and meeting with her twice in person, I have concluded that she possesses the experience, qualifications, and integrity to serve as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court," Collins said."I will, therefore, vote to confirm her to this position." So ... that makes one Senate Republican who will vote for Jackson. And a few others -- most notably Utah Sen.
A national Quinnipiac University poll, also released Wednesday, found that a majority of Americans said the Senate should confirm Jackson, while 30% said the Senate should not. A majority also disapproved of the way Republican senators are handling her confirmation process.So what gives? Why aren't there 10 or 15 Republican senators willing to vote"yes" on Jackson? The answer lies in base politics.