Flake says he is 'not comfortable voting yes' yet on Kavanaugh

Sen. Jeff Flake Jeffrey (Jeff) Lane FlakeMurkowski: Committee 'might' need to consider delaying Kavanaugh vote Collins knocks Democrats over handling of Kavanaugh assault allegation CNN publishes text of letter Kavanaugh accuser wrote to Feinstein MORE (R-Ariz.) on Sunday said he is "not comfortable voting yes" on Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh until the Senate Judiciary Committee learns more about the sexual assault allegation against him.

"We need to hear from her," Flake told Politico hours after Kavanaugh's accuser identified herself publicly. "And I don't think I'm alone in this."

Flake told The Washington Post that he does not believe the Judiciary Committee should move ahead with its Thursday vote on Kavanaugh until the senators hear more from Christine Blasey Ford, the California psychology professor who went public with her accusation against Kavanaugh in a Post investigation on Sunday.

Flake's spokesperson did not immediately respond to The Hill's request for comment.

"For me, we can’t vote until we hear more," Flake, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, told the Post.

Flake, who is retiring in November, has displayed increasing willingness to break with his party in recent months. He is a frequent and outspoken critic of President Trump Donald John TrumpCNN host reads on-air letter Kavanaugh accuser sent to Feinstein Five times Mattis split with Trump Flake says he is 'not comfortable voting yes' yet on Kavanaugh MORE.