NV-Sen: Heller confident Kavanaugh will get past 'little hiccup' sex assault allegations

Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) referred to the sexual assault allegation against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh as a "little hiccup" that he believes the judge will be able to overcome, according to The Nevada Independent.

Heller's confidence in the confirmation stands out among his colleagues who have taken much more of a "wait-and-see" approach to a situation that has changed quickly over the past week. He made the comment on a Nevada Republican Party-arranged conference call Wednesday.

“I’m really grateful for the White House, for the effort of President Trump and what he has done, and the excitement that we have,” Heller said. “We got a little hiccup here with the Kavanaugh nomination, we’ll get through this and we’ll get off to the races,” he said.

Why did he say that?

Heller was an early supporter of Kavanaugh's nomination, endorsing the judge shortly after meeting with him in July.

"His legal career combined with his educational credentials make him an exceptionally qualified nominee to fill the upcoming vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court," Heller said in his endorsement.

Heller still believes all the information should come out on this situation, as he said in a statement to Victor Joecks of the Las Vegas Review Journal.

"I think it is important for Dr. [Christine Blasey] Ford to share her information with the Judiciary Committee," Heller said in the statement. "Given the gravity of this appointment and this accusation, I would hope all Senators, regardless of party, will work with Chairman Grassley in good faith."

Rosen jumps on the comment

Heller's opponent in the Nevada Senate race, Democratic Rep. Jacky Rosen, criticized Heller for his characterization of the allegation against Kavanaugh.

"Unbelievable: Senator Heller just dismissed a credible sexual assault allegation as a 'hiccup,' -- and predicted Kavanaugh will still be confirmed soon." Rosen tweeted.

"Apparently Senator Heller still has 'no reservations' about voting to confirm Judge Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court," Rosen wrote later. "Nevadans deserve so much better."

Heller attempted to clarify his words Thursday, saying he does "not believe sexual assault allegation of any kind are a hiccup," according to The New York Times.

(H/T Yahoo News)