By Jerel Flint

GOP Sen. Susan Collins of Maine expressed frustration with the confirmation process for Supreme Court nominees in recent decades in a lengthy floor speech on Friday, highlighting the drama surrounding Judge Brett Kavanaugh, including the allegations of sexual assault brought against the nominee. Collins said she cannot fairly vote against Kavanaugh because the claims against him do not meet a “more likely than not” standard. Collins was considered a key vote in Kavanaugh’s confirmation given her moderate record in the Senate. She had already voted for cloture earlier in the day Friday. The final vote is expected by 5 p.m. on Saturday.