During his confirmation hearing on Thursday, Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh stated that the special counsel system that is currently in place is something that he has “specifically, repeatedly, and expressly said is consistent with our traditions.”

Kavanaugh said, “I want to emphasize that the special counsel system that’s in place now is something that I’ve specifically, repeatedly, and expressly said is consistent with our traditions. … The special counsel system, I’ve said, is part of our tradition. That is the system in place.”

He added that he would “keep an open mind” to a protection, such as a for cause protection, that differed from the old independent counsel statute.

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