CASTEN TO ROSKAM: WITHDRAW ENDORSEMENT OF KAVANAUGH
Sean Casten Calls on Peter Roskam to Withdraw Endorsement of Judge Kavanaugh Until Hearings, Possible Investigations Concluded
(Downers Grove, IL) September 24, 2018 – Congressman Peter Roskam should withdraw his “premature” endorsement of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court until his accusers are heard and necessary investigations into allegations of sexual harassment and assault are concluded, Illinois’ Sixth District Congressional candidate Sean Casten said today.
“Peter Roskam rubber-stamped Judge Kavanaugh’s appointment the day it was made, giving his constituents no time to weigh in with their opinions,” Casten said. “If it was good enough for Donald Trump, it was good enough for Peter Roskam. But now important questions have been raised about Kavanaugh’s past and his fitness for this lifetime appointment.”
“I urge Peter Roskam to publicly withdraw his endorsement of Judge Kavanaugh until the women behind these serious allegations are given the chance to testify. Their voices and their stories deserve to be heard.”
Casten said that Peter Roskam’s anti-choice views might have clouded his judgment, since Kavanaugh’s addition to the Supreme Court could lead to repeal of Roe v. Wade. Roskam opposes that 1973 decision and favors a ban on abortions – even for victims of rape and incest.
On July 10, 2018, Peter Roskam issued an official statement saying that Kavanaugh “is the type of jurist Americans want on the Supreme Court. The appointment of Judge Kavanaugh is an excellent choice and I urge my Senate colleagues to confirm him.”
Casten criticized Peter Roskam at the time for jumping the gun and endorsing Kavanaugh’s appointment before hearings were held and Peter Roskam’s constituents could be heard from. Casten held his own listening session at the time to hear from constituents and experts on Roe v. Wade and women’s health issues pertinent to the SCOTUS nominee.