VanDyke has a history of anti-LGBTQ and anti-reproductive rights views but Senator Collins allowed the nomination to move forward anyway

 

Senator Collins voted to advance the nomination of another unqualified Trump nominated judge with a history of extreme views. Lawrence VanDyke was rated “not qualified” for the Ninth Circuit by the American Bar Association. As Solicitor General of Montana, he led efforts to restrict access to abortion and contraceptives and was involved in multiple challenges to same-sex marriage. He has also expressed hostility to clean water protections and supported dark money in elections.

 

Senator Collins owes Mainers an explanation for her record of advancing and confirming Trump nominated judges. She has voted to confirm 96% of Trump’s judicial nominees, including dozens of judges with extreme views about reproductive rights. Her constituents deserve answers.

 

Read more about Senator Collins’ votes to stack the courts with Trump judges:

 

  • HuffPost: Senator Collins “has supported over 90% of Trump’s picks for federal judge positions, including 32 nominees who have indicated they oppose abortion rights”

 

  • Maine Beacon: Collins has voted to put more than 100 Trump judges on the bench

 

  • Maine Beacon: Collins votes to confirm three anti-choice judges, opposes one

 

  • WBUR: “Voters… were upset at Collins’ vote to confirm Supreme Court Judge Brett Kavanaugh last October”

 

  • Maine Public: Collins Greeted By Protesters Outside Fundraiser Hosted By Trump's 'Judge Whisperer'

 

  • Bangor Daily News: Protesters met Susan Collins outside a fundraiser hosted by Trump’s ‘judge whisperer’

 

  • Maine Beacon: Collins attends fundraiser at $4m mansion of nation’s top anti-choice judicial activist

 

  • HuffPost: “Collins attended a lavish fundraiser on Oct. 2 in Orange County, California, that hailed her as the ‘hero of the Kavanaugh confirmation.’”

 

  • The Hill: Collins boasts best fundraising quarter after Kavanaugh vote

 

  • HuffPost: “Ainsworth also credited President Donald Trump… with remaking the federal judiciary to achieve the overturning of the landmark 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that ensures a woman’s right to an abortion.”

 

  • CNN: Susan Collins defends her Brett Kavanaugh vote after he dissents in abortion access case

 

  • Washington Post: Democrats “pointed to Kavanaugh’s dissent as a sign that he is poised to side with conservatives in future rulings on abortion rights”

 

 

  • Associated Press: “Critics of Republican Sen. Susan Collins are angry over Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s opinion in an abortion case, saying it’s proof that he’s not following through on his assurance to respect past Supreme Court decisions on abortion.”

 

  • The Hill: “Some conservatives are banking on the addition of Kavanaugh as their chance to overturn Roe. His confirmation, as well as that of fellow Trump pick Justice Neil Gorsuch, helped establish a conservative majority on the bench.”

 

 

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