Schumer opposes Kavanaugh's nomination and has been critical of the GOP's handling of the nominee's extensive paper trail, but he has given his red-state Democrats space to make up their minds rather than using hardball tactics. Their races are crucial to the battle for the majority in November's midterm elections. "Punishment is not how this place works," Schumer said in a July interview.If Schumer publicly pressured Democrats to vote no, according to a person with knowledge of Democratic leadership's thinking, it would make it harder for them to do so, since they are trying to demonstrate independence from the national party.