The Republican Party’s dimming midterm election prospects suffered a fresh blow Monday as doubts grew about the confirmation of President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, federal appellate judge Brett Kavanaugh.

Eleventh hour sexual misconduct allegations were threatening to derail Kavanaugh’s nomination after his confirmation appeared all but unstoppable. Delays could ease pressure on vulnerable red-state Senate Democrats to break ranks and support Kavanaugh. For congressional Republicans, the judge’s defeat at the hands of GOP defectors could have devastating political consequences.

Recommended Stories

It is finished: Senate confirms Brett Kavanaugh by about the same vote as it would have prior to unverified, uncorroborated misconduct allegations

Kavanaugh champion Lindsey Graham vows to be powerful weapon for GOP in 2018 midterm elections

Kavanaugh heading to Supreme Court? Flake, Collins signal ‘Yes’, full Senate vote Saturday