Spectrum News (VIDEO): GOP forges ahead with hearing amid Kavanaugh sexual assault allegations

WASHINGTON — Republicans are forging ahead with plans for a Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, whether or not the woman accusing Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault will testify.

How will this risky nationally televised showdown play out less than 50 days ahead of the midterm election at the height of the #MeToo movement? …

The new developments offer some breathing room for vulnerable Red State Democrats, who have avoided taking a firm position on the nomination. This is effectively keeping the national focus on Republicans like female Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), seen as potential swing votes.

“Given how quickly Senator Collins and Senator Murkowski called on then-Senator Franken to resign after the story came out about his sexual harassment, sexual assault, I think they’ll be under that much more scrutiny,” said Aaron Scherb with Common Cause.

The allegations are also energizing Democrats who see this as justification to delay the process.

“There are so many unanswered questions about Professor Ford and this sexual abuse from several decades ago. We believe that needs to come out,” Scherb said.