By Sentinel Staff
Gov. Bill Walker and Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott issued a statement today opposing Senate confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh as a justice on the Supreme Court, citing their concern about Kavanaugh’s views on health care, Native American issues, and allegations of sexual assault while he was in high school.
From Anchorage, Walker and Mallott issued the following statement:
“One of our top priorities as governor and lieutenant governor is expanding affordable health care access to all Alaskans. We supported increasing the number of people eligible to receive health insurance by increasing the pool of those who have access to Medicaid, and we have also championed protections for Alaskans with pre-existing health conditions. Another priority of our administration is protecting the rights of working Alaskans. Mr. Kavanaugh’s record does not demonstrate a commitment to legal precedent that protects working families. Key aspects of our nation’s health care and labor laws may be at risk if Mr. Kavanaugh receives a lifetime appointment.
“Mr. Kavanaugh’s appointment could also jeopardize the Indian Child Welfare Act, Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, and other laws that enable tribal self-determination due to his overly narrow view of the relationship between federal and tribal governments. Alaska is home to 227 tribes, nearly half of all tribes in our nation.
“Finally, we believe a thorough review of past allegations against Mr. Kavanaugh is needed before a confirmation vote takes place. Violence against women in Alaska is an epidemic. We do not condone placing someone into one of our nation’s highest positions of power while so many key questions remain unanswered.”
The Senate Judiciary Committee plans to meet Monday, when it may hear testimony from Kavanaugh’s accuser in the sexual violence accusation.
Alaska Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan has said he will vote to confirm Kavanaugh, but Sen. Lisa Murkowski, also a Republican, has not made a commitment on the confirmation, which may hinge on a single vote.
