Sen. Lisa Murkowski issued high praise for Judge Amy Coney Barrett on Oct. 24, calling her “qualified by any objective standard” and saying she will vote to confirm her to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Murkowski’s vote has been the subject of national speculation as the U.S. Senate prepares to vote on President Trump’s nominee to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

In announcing her intent to confirm Barrett, Murkowski reaffirmed her view that she still opposes the Senate’s move to approve a Supreme Court justice so close to a national election.

Murkowski voted no on a Oct. 23 procedural vote to move towards a final vote on the Senate floor.

“I voted no on the motion to proceed yesterday because I have stated on multiple occasions since 2016, I do not believe the Senate should take up a Supreme Court nomination this close to a presidential election,” Murkowski stated. “I have been clear in that position throughout this process. With that vote, my view did not prevail, so the question now facing the Senate is whether Judge Amy Coney Barrett is qualified to serve on the highest court in the land. My constitutional responsibility is to now look beyond process and to vote based on a solid evaluation of her qualifications and fitness of judicial temperament.”

On these issues Murkowski could find not reason to vote against Barrett.

Murkowski’s statement comes after weeks of speculation on whether she would help Democrats derail Trumps nomination of Barrett.

“I have reviewed Judge Barrett’s confirmation hearing and her writings. I also had a lengthy discussion with her this week to delve further into her record and views of jurisprudence,” Murkowski stated. “It is clear that she is qualified by any objective standard and has received the highest possible rating from the American Bar Association. She had demonstrated a strong command of the law, intellect, discipline, and ultimately, the capability to hold the position of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.”

Even so, Murkowski still voted against one last procedural vote to advance Barrett’s nomination on Oct. 25, but her opposition was largely symbolic and she said she will “vote to confirm Judge Barrett to serve on the Supreme Court.”

Murkowski’s statement comes after weeks of speculation on whether she would help Democrats derail Trumps nomination of Barrett.

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