Illinois Candidates For 13th Congressional Race Weigh In on Kavanaugh, Ford Testimony

The candidates running for Illinois’s 13th Congressional District weighed in on the testimony provided last Thursday by Supreme Court nominee, Judge Brett Kavanaugh, and one of his accusers, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford. But only one provided a straight answer when asked whether or not they support a full investigation into the allegation of sexual assault.

On Friday, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance Kavanaugh’s appointment to the Supreme Court. Later that afternoon, however, the Republicans on the committee agreed to ask for an FBI investigation into Ford’s allegation that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when they were both in high school. President Donald Trump agreed and authorized a week long investigation by the FBI — delaying the Senate vote, which was expected to take place early this week.

Last Thursday afternoon, this reporter asked the incumbent running for Illinois’s 13th Congressional District seat, Republican Rodney Davis, whether he’d support an investigation into the allegations and a delay in the confirmation process. 

“This is an opportunity where we see government in action,” Davis said. “Government is allowing both Ms. Ford and Mr. Kavanaugh to plead their case in the Senate.”

This reporter asked again whether or not Davis would support a delay in the confirmation process, and he said:

“Well, I think the confirmation process is moving along. But the key point is both the accuser and the accused have had a chance to talk not just to the Senate Judiciary Committee, they’ve talked to the American people.”

His Democratic challenger, Betsy Dirksen Londrigan, was more direct in an interview last Friday morning. Londrigan commended Ford for her testimony, describing it as “brave,” “passionate” and “credible.” She said she had not had a chance to see Kavanaugh’s testimony.

Londrigan said she supported a full investigation into the allegations made by Ford.

“I really think that the best thing we could do for all parties involved is to hit the pause button, do an investigation, and go from there,” she said.

Shortly after that interview, Londrigan took to Twitter to praise Ford's testimony and her desire for an investigation. 

Dr. Ford showed tremendous bravery yesterday. She relived a traumatic assault in public, on TV, in front of a Senate committee. And women everywhere relived their own watching her. We deserve better. Regardless of politics, this lifetime appointment deserves a full investigation.

— Betsy Dirksen Londrigan (@BetsyforIL) September 28, 2018