Republican U.S. Sen. Blunt says he backs Kavanaugh for Supreme Court

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. � Missouri�s Republican U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt said he backs Judge Brett Kavanaugh�s confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Blunt announced his support Tuesday after meeting with the conservative judge. President Donald Trump nominated Kavanaugh after Justice Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement.

Blunt in a statement said his conversation with the judge and Kavanaugh�s �outstanding judicial record and legal background� influenced his decision.

Blunt�s Democratic counterpart, Sen. Claire McCaskill, has not said whether she will vote to confirm Kavanaugh. She has said she will thoroughly review his record.

Republican U.S. Senate nominee Josh Hawley said he supports Kavanaugh. Hawley is vying to unseat McCaskill.