Brett Kavanaugh Just Passed a Big Hurdle

Brett Kavanaugh just passed a crucial hurdle in the Senate, though his ascension to the Supreme Court is still not assured. Kavanaugh's nomination passed a procedural vote that allows it to move forward, reports Reuters. The count was 51-49. The final vote on whether to confirm Kavanaugh is expected to take place Saturday. Heading into Friday's vote, all hinged on undecided Republicans Jeff Flake, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski, as well as Democrat Joe Manchin, notes the Wall Street Journal. Kavanaugh needed at least two of them to vote yes. Collins, Flake, and Manchin did, while Murkowski voted no. Of course, the yes votes on the procedural measure don't necessarily mean yes on the final confirmation. Collins will announce her position on the confirmation vote Friday afternoon. (More Brett Kavanaugh stories.)