WASHINGTON - Despite helping to send Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the full Senate along party lines, Sen. Jeff Flake appeared to side with Senate Democrats as he called for an FBI investigation into the allegations against the Supreme Court nominee.
Flake said the investigation would be limited in time and scope to "no more than one week."
As he called for the investigation, Flake said the Senate needs to make sure "we do due diligence here."
Flake made it clear early Friday morning he'd vote to confirm Kavanaugh's nomination, saying in a prepared statement "our system of justice affords a presumption of innocence to the accused, absent corroborating evidence."
The Arizona senator did agree to send Kavanaugh's nomination through, but on the understanding there would be an investigation, appearing to indicate he might oppose Kavanaugh in the Senate floor vote without one.
Flake said it would be "proper" to delay the floor vote for Kavanaugh.
Hours later, Flake's stand proved to be successful as Senate Republican leaders agreed to delay a final vote on Kavanaugh.
"There's going to be a supplemental background investigation," Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, the No. 2 Republican, said.
Flake's pushing for an investigation came after he was confronted by two women in a U.S. Capitol elevator and reportedly spoke privately at length with Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
READ: "You're telling me that my assault doesn't matter," protesters shout at Jeff Flake in elevator
"This country is being ripped apart here," Flake said. “We can have a short pause and make sure that the FBI can investigate.”
This marks the second time Sen. Flake has called for a delay in Kavanaugh's nomination. When the allegations first surfaced, he wanted the Senate Judiciary Committee to hear from Dr. Christine Blasey Ford before even moving forward with the confirmation hearing.
He told Politico at that time if the confirmation is pushed forward "without any attempt with hearing what she's had to say," he wouldn't be comfortable voting "yes" for Kavanaugh.
Although neither Flake nor the rest of the Judiciary Committee can force a FBI investigation, President Trump appeared to be open to a delay, telling reporters Friday senators should do “whatever they think is necessary."
USA TODAY contributed to this report.
