Senator Ron Johnson praises SCOTUS pick Brett Kavanaugh, expects Senate confirmation

MADISON— Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson is praising President Donald Trump's pick for the U.S. Supreme Court, saying he expects swift confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh.

Johnson said in a conference call Thursday that he was impressed with Kavanaugh following their meeting on Wednesday, calling him a "decent human being." Senate confirmation hearings are set to begin Sept. 4.

Johnson says all Democrats should join with Republicans in supporting him. Wisconsin's other senator, Democrat Tammy Baldwin, opposes Kavanaugh's confirmation. She says he would "turn back the clock on a woman's constitutional right and freedom to make her own health care choices."

Johnson is downplaying Democrats' concerns about Kavanaugh's previous writings, saying "I don't know what Democrats are looking for. Are they looking or his fourth grade essay?"