In a move Thursday that both surprised and delighted her fellow Tennesseans, Marsha Blackburn had the U.S. Senator oath of office administered by a “guest judge” — U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
It was a wonderful way to cap off the celebrations,” said Blackburn, who was flanked by Tennessee’s outgoing Sen. Bob Corker and Tennessee's other Sen. Lamar Alexander, both Republicans, “I am excited to begin my service to our state in the United States Senate.”
Republican Blackburn, who was elected the Volunteer State’s first woman senator in November, was officially sworn in at the U.S. Capitol by Vice President Mike Pence in the traditional ceremony.
In a subsequent ceremony witnessed by friends, family, and supporters, Blackburn took the oath from Kavanaugh. Confirmed by a vote of 50-to-48 in the U.S. Senate last fall, Kavanaugh became the nation’s newest justice of the high court following highly-charged hearings and strong accusations about his personal character.
Blackburn made no secret during her campaign that she would have voted to confirm Kavanaugh had she been in office during the vote.
“Being sworn into the United States Senate by Justice Brett Kavanaugh in front of hundreds of Tennesseans who had come to celebrate the day was a true honor,” Blackburn told Newsmax, “Brett Kavanaugh is held in high regard by Tennesseans. They appreciate his commitment to our nation and to the rule of law.”
John Gizzi is chief political columnist and White House correspondent for Newsmax. For more of his reports, Go Here Now.
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