Coons calls Gaetz nomination ‘deadly serious challenge’ to Senate

Democrats voice concerns over Gaetz’s qualifications and temperament

Coons: Gaetz nomination is a 'slap in the face' to the Senate

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) on Tuesday called the nomination of Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) to the Senate Judiciary Committee a "deadly serious challenge" to the institution.

Coons, a member of the Judiciary Committee, said Gaetz's nomination is a "slap in the face" to the Senate and its traditions.

"This is a man who has been accused of sexual misconduct, who has threatened witnesses, and who has repeatedly shown a lack of respect for the rule of law," Coons said in a statement.

Gaetz has denied the allegations of sexual misconduct. He has also said that he did not threaten witnesses, but that he did speak to a witness in the Michael Cohen case in an attempt to get information about the investigation.

Coons's comments echo those of other Democrats who have raised concerns about Gaetz's qualifications and temperament.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said that Gaetz's nomination is a "disgrace to the Senate." Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) said that Gaetz is "unfit to serve" on the Judiciary Committee.

The Judiciary Committee is responsible for considering judicial nominations. If Gaetz is confirmed to the committee, he would have a say in the confirmation of future Supreme Court justices.

Coons said that Gaetz's nomination is a "threat to the integrity of the Senate" and that he will vote against his confirmation.

It is unclear whether Gaetz has the support of enough Republicans to be confirmed to the Judiciary Committee. The committee is evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans, and Gaetz would need the support of at least one Democrat to be confirmed.