GOP Congressman Makes SCOTUS Groping Joke During Local Debate

UNITED STATES - APRIL 17: Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., leaves a meeting of the GOP Conference at the Capitol Hill Club on April 17, 2018. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
UNITED STATES - APRIL 17: Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., leaves a meeting of the GOP Conference at the Capitol Hill Club on April 17, 2018. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
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As tensions soar over the allegations of sexual assault levied against Brett Kavanaugh, Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) made an off-color joke about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg getting “groped” during a local election debate event on Thursday.

According to a report from the Post and Courier, Norman joked that he was almost unable to attend the debate at a local Kiwanis in Rock Hill, South Carolina because of “the latest drama involving the Supreme Court,” in the newspaper’s words.

“Did you hear about this?” he reportedly said. “Ruth Bader Ginsburg came out saying she was groped by Abraham Lincoln.”

The remark was met with a few laughs, according to the Post and Courier. Norman’s office did not immediately return TPM’s calls and emails requesting comment and clarification.

The remark comes as allegations against Kavanaugh have erupted into a partisan scandal in Washington, D.C. Republicans have drawn their line in the sand, giving the accuser, Christine Blasey Ford, the option of offering a public testimony on Monday to make her case. Many GOPers have indicated that they want to vote on Kavanaugh’s confirmation even if they don’t hear from Blasey Ford. Democrats and Blasey Ford have asked the FBI to open an investigation into the allegations that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted the woman when they were in high school.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) has made it clear that he  thinks an investigation is unnecessary.

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