Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said that she plans to vote to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court.
Why it matters: The senator from Maine is the first Republican to announce her intent to back President Biden's nominee.
Driving the news: "After reviewing Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s extensive record, watching much of her hearing testimony, and meeting with her twice in person, I have concluded that she possesses the experience, qualifications, and integrity to serve as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court," Collins said in a statement on Wednesday.
- "I will, therefore, vote to confirm her to this position," she added.
The big picture: Collins told the New York Times that she decided to support Jackson's confirmation after the pair met on Tuesday afternoon.
- The GOP lawmaker revealed she had been reassured that Jackson would not be "bending the law to meet a personal preference," per the Times, which first wrote about Collins' decision.
What she's saying: "In my meetings with Judge Jackson, we discussed in depth several issues that were raised in her hearing ... And just as I have disagreed with some of her decisions to date, I have no doubt that, if Judge Jackson is confirmed, I will not agree with every vote that she casts as a Justice," Collins said.
- "That alone, however, is not disqualifying. Indeed, that statement applies to all six Justices ... whom I have voted to confirm."
Editor's note: This is a developing story and has been updated throughout.
