■ Sen. Lisa Murkowski said she will vote for the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett.

Alaskan opposes push but will confirm judge

WASHINGTON — Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett won backing Saturday when one of the last Republican holdouts announced her support for President Donald Trump’s pick ahead of a confirmation vote expected Monday.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said during Saturday’s session that while she opposed her party’s decision to push ahead with the nomination process so close to the Nov. 3 presidential election, she supported the federal judge who is on track to lock in a conservative court majority for years to come.

Barrett already appeared to have enough votes for confirmation from Senate Republicans who hold the majority in the chamber and are racing to install her on the high court before Election Day. But Murkowski’s nod gives her a boost of support. Only one Republican, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, is expected to oppose the conservative judge.

“While I oppose the process that has led us to this point, I do not hold it against her,” Murkowski said.

The Senate opened the rare weekend session despite Democratic efforts to stall Trump’s nominee.

Democrats mounted more procedural hurdles during the day, but the party has no realistic chance of stopping Barrett’s advance. Barrett, a federal appeals court judge from Indiana, is expected to be confirmed Monday and quickly join the court.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch Mc

Connell, R-Ky., noted the political rancor but defended his handling of the process.

“Our recent debates have been heated, but curiously talk of Judge Barrett’s actual credentials or qualifications are hardly featured,” McConnell said. He called her one of the most “impressive” nominees for public office “in a generation.”

Democrats call the fast-track confirmation process a “sham” and say the winner of the Nov. 3 presidential election should name the nominee to fill the vacancy left by the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Democrats were expected to force a series of votes on coronavirus relief legislation. Majority Republicans were expected to turn aside the measures and keep Barrett’s confirmation on track. Senators planned to stay in session Saturday and Sunday.

Alex Brandon The Associated Press Sen. Lisa Murkowski pays respects Sept. 23 as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg lies in repose at the U.S. Supreme Court building.