Delaware’s first woman elected to Congress has been paying attention to more than just the politics surrounding the confirmation of Supreme Court justice Brett Kavanaugh.
Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester opposed Kavanaugh’s confirmation and appreciates Christine Blasey Ford’s bravery in coming forward with her sexual assault claims against him.
“For those people who are out there struggling, I know this has caused a lot of angst," she said. "But it also has taken the cover off of an issue that has been a serious one that we need to deal with.”
Blunt Rochester said recent comments from President Trump mocking Ford’s claims and other administration policies are fueling increased activism from women.
“And I think that circles back to why so many people who have never stepped up to run or to be involved are getting involved because you know they believe that this does not represent us,” she said.
Blunt Rochester said she and about 900 other women running for office in 2016 contacted Emily’s List, a political group that helps pro-choice women candidates. She said it’s more like 40,000 this year.
Delaware’s two Senators, Tom Carper and Chris Coons, also opposed Kavanaugh’s confirmation.
But Kavanaugh was confirmed Saturday by a 50-48 margin.
