Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ), often mocked by Democrats for initially taking a stance against his own party only to fall in line when it matters, seems to be holding firm in his conviction to oppose GOP judges until Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) allows a vote on the bill to protect Special Counsel Robert Mueller.
And, according to a Thursday Politico report, Flake’s Republican peers are not taking kindly to his stand.
So far, Flake has reportedly pushed pause on 21 potential judges, including opposing Thomas Farr on the Senate floor.
Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) told Politico that Flake is carrying things “too far.”
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) accused Flake of pulling a fast one on voters who wanted rapid confirmation of conservative judges.
Despite the criticism, Flake seems unshaken.
“There are judges there that I want to move too. And I hope to be able to do that,” Flake told Politico. “As soon as we get a vote. We need a vote.”
He was much less certain on whether McConnell will cooperate. When Politico asked if Flake sensed that the majority leader would soon fold, Flake was blunt: “Nope.”
