Sen. Jeff Flake’s dramatic shift from his press release from earlier Thursday indicating he was a “yes” to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court to his warning that he would be a “no” if a floor vote on his nomination is not delayed one week to allow for an FBI investigation has uprooted Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s plans to quickly confirm the judge.

Flake, along with Sen. Lisa Murkowski (who said she holds the same position), have the ability to kill Kavanaugh’s nomination if they remain firm. This reality has left McConnell with three basic options:

Recommended Stories

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

Flake backtracks, creates new delay for Kavanaugh

Kavanaugh launches series of Senate meetings with McConnell