CNN is reporting that the ABA is making the extraordinary request "because of the ABA's respect for the rule of law and due process under law".
In a letter CNN describes as “strongly worded”, the ABA is calling for “nothing less than a careful examination of the accusations and facts by the FBI”.
It should be noted that just three weeks ago, the American Bar Association gave Judge Kavanaugh a “well-qualified” rating.
Things have changed...
(This is just an alert diary — if this develops further, I’ll update.)
UPDATED with screenshot of the full letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee:
What Kristen Clarke is referring to in her tweet was Senator Lindsey Graham’s reference to the American Bar Association as the “gold standard” earlier today:
“If you lived a good life, people would recognize it like the American Bar Association has - the gold standard”.
~ Senator Lindsey Graham, remarks made during the Senate hearing of Dr. Ford and Judge Brett Kavanaugh, September 27, 2018 [source]
Let’s see how Lindsey Graham references the ABA tomorrow...
Friday, Sep 28, 2018 · 5:26:08 AM +00:00 · Rudyard
I can’t help but wonder if it was Kavanaugh’s citing of his own “judicial temperament” as the reason the ABA gave him their “well-qualified” rating that prompted the ABA letter to the Senate.
“For 12 years, everyone who has appeared before me on the D.C. Circuit has praised my judicial temperament,” he said. “That’s why I have the unanimous, well qualified rating from the American Bar Association.”
Kavanaugh’s temperament was on full display today. And it wasn’t exactly what the ABA would call “judicial”.