Susan Collins says she has no regrets over Kavanaugh vote despite Roe reversal

Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) was confronted by reporters on Tuesday about her role in confirming Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh at the height of controversy over his allegations of sexual misconduct, with the hindsight of his role in overturning abortion rights for millions of women around the country — and she was unrepentant.

The reason, she explained, is that she also voted to confirm a number of justices who opposed that opinion.

"This is the first reelection campaign that you're run since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade," asked a reporter from News Center Maine. "I was hoping you could talk to me a little bit about your vote to confirm Kavanaugh and whether you regret that?"

"I do not regret that vote," said Collins. "I do disagree with Justice Kavanaugh's vote. I would point out that in that decision, several Supreme Court justices whom I supported voted the other way. That includes Justice Sotomayor, Justice Elena Kagan, Justice Jackson. So I have supported a great number of Supreme Court justices."

"When I look at a justice, I look at their qualifications, their integrity, their background, their experience in reaching a decision," she added. "Obviously I'm disappointed in that decision, which turned abortion issues back to the states. It has not had an impact on the state of Maine, in that Maine actually expanded its law."

Collins is facing a closely-watched re-election battle, with Democrats having nominated oyster farmer and harbormaster Graham Platner, who is touring the state on a progressive platform while facing questions about his drama-filled past.