Democrats are splintering over their tactics in the wake of a second allegation against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

Progressive outside groups and a growing number of senators are calling for Kavanaugh to withdraw his nomination following two sexual misconduct allegations that have left considerable doubt over his Supreme Court confirmation — which was considered a sure thing earlier this month.

Democratic leaders have stopped short of such calls.

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Though opposed to Kavanaugh’s confirmation, they are focused on demands that the FBI investigate the charges and that the GOP provide a fair hearing for Christine Blasey Ford, who is set to testify Thursday about her allegation that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her in the early 1980s, when the two were teenagers.

Asked about calls for Kavanaugh to withdraw, Sen. Dick Durbin Richard (Dick) Joseph DurbinThe Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Trump previews SCOTUS nominee as 'totally brilliant' Feinstein 'surprised and taken aback' by suggestion she's not up for Supreme Court fight Grand jury charges no officers in Breonna Taylor death MORE (D-Ill.) said that he believed Kavanaugh deserved to have the hearing on Thursday, which will give him a high-profile perch to defend himself.

“I have my feelings about this, but basic fairness requires that both sides be allowed to talk,” said Durbin, who visibly grimaced when asked about the calls for Kavanaugh to withdraw his nomination.

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer Chuck SchumerPelosi slams Trump executive order on pre-existing conditions: It 'isn't worth the paper it's signed on' 3 reasons why Biden is misreading the politics of court packing Cruz blocks amended resolution honoring Ginsburg over language about her dying wish MORE (D-N.Y.), during both his weekly press conference and on remarks on the Senate floor, called for additional witnesses to testify on Thursday and urged Republicans to support an investigation into Kavanaugh’s background.

“In the face of multiple allegations against Judge Kavanaugh, the FBI should re-open the background check investigation, and we should conduct a hearing where the appropriate witnesses are called and respect given both to the accuser and the accused,” Schumer said from the Senate floor.

A Democratic aide brushed aside questions about the difference in rhetorical tactics, positing that Democratic senators who are opposed to Kavanaugh also, in theory, would support him withdrawing his nomination.

“[The] FBI investigation is what will help ensure the kind of ‘fair’ process that Kavanaugh and the Republicans are demanding,” the aide added.

In a sign the Democratic tactics could be putting some pressure on centrist Republicans, Sen. Lisa Murkowski Lisa Ann MurkowskiOVERNIGHT ENERGY: House passes sweeping clean energy bill | Pebble Mine CEO resigns over secretly recorded comments about government officials | Corporations roll out climate goals amid growing pressure to deliver The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Trump previews SCOTUS nominee as 'totally brilliant' Abortion stirs GOP tensions in Supreme Court fight MORE (R-Alaska), one of the key undecided votes, said Tuesday that she would support an FBI investigation, telling reporters that it would “certainly clear up all the questions.”

Democrats can’t block Kavanaugh’s nomination on their own because Republicans hold a 51-49 majority in the Senate. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellTrump 'no longer angry' at Romney because of Supreme Court stance On The Money: Anxious Democrats push for vote on COVID-19 aid | Pelosi, Mnuchin ready to restart talks | Weekly jobless claims increase | Senate treads close to shutdown deadline The Hill's Campaign Report: Trump faces backlash after not committing to peaceful transition of power MORE (R-Ky.) said on Tuesday that he is “confident” Kavanaugh will be confirmed and that Republicans will “win” the Supreme Court fight.

But Kavanaugh is facing growing demands by progressives and outside groups to withdraw his nomination after the second sexual misconduct allegation. Deborah Ramirez says Kavanaugh exposed himself in front of her during a party at Yale University, an allegation denied by Kavanaugh during a television interview on Monday night.

“It is time to end these disgusting attacks and for Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to be withdrawn,” Shaunna Thomas, the executive director and co-founder of UltraViolet Action, said in response to GOP criticism of Ford and Ramirez.

Liberals, including two possible presidential candidates in Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand Kirsten GillibrandSunday shows preview: Justice Ginsburg dies, sparking partisan battle over vacancy before election Suburban moms are going to decide the 2020 election Jon Stewart urges Congress to help veterans exposed to burn pits MORE (D-N.Y.) and Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersThe Hill's Campaign Report: Trump faces backlash after not committing to peaceful transition of power Bernie Sanders: 'This is an election between Donald Trump and democracy' The Hill's 12:30 Report: Trump stokes fears over November election outcome MORE (I-Vt.), are echoing the calls from the interest groups.

“One credible sexual assault claim should have been too many to get a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court and make decisions that will affect millions of women’s lives for generations. Two is an embarrassment. It’s time for a new nominee,” Gillibrand said in a tweet after The New Yorker published the second allegation.

Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley Jeffrey (Jeff) Alan MerkleyThe Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by The Air Line Pilots Association - Trump, Biden renew push for Latino support Sunday shows - Trump team defends coronavirus response Oregon senator says Trump's blame on 'forest management' for wildfires is 'just a big and devastating lie' MORE (Ore.) added that Kavanaugh’s “pattern of conduct, extreme views, and failure to be fully truthful and forthcoming under oath” means he should not be confirmed to the Supreme Court.

“For the good of the country and the integrity of the court, he should step aside,” said Merkley, who has gotten attention as a potential dark horse 2020 candidate because of his ties to the party’s progressive base.

Democrats hope the public backlash against the nomination will help build unity in their caucus while causing GOP defections.

But the calls for Kavanaugh to withdraw his nomination carry risks for Democrats given the plight of a handful of members, undecided on Kavanaugh’s nomination, running for reelection this year in states easily won by President Trump Donald John TrumpSteele Dossier sub-source was subject of FBI counterintelligence probe Pelosi slams Trump executive order on pre-existing conditions: It 'isn't worth the paper it's signed on' Trump 'no longer angry' at Romney because of Supreme Court stance MORE in 2016.

Sen. Joe Manchin Joseph (Joe) ManchinSenate passes resolution reaffirming commitment to peaceful transition of power Hopes for DC, Puerto Rico statehood rise Manchin defends Supreme Court candidate Barrett: 'It's awful to bring in religion' MORE (D-W.Va.) said Kavanaugh deserved a chance to defend himself.

“I think Judge Kavanaugh should have the chance to clear his name, the same as they should have the opportunity to be heard,” Manchin said, appearing to refer to his accusers.

Manchin’s reelection race, along with contests for Sens. Heidi Heitkamp Mary (Heidi) Kathryn HeitkampHarris faces pivotal moment with Supreme Court battle Centrists, progressives rally around Harris pick for VP 70 former senators propose bipartisan caucus for incumbents MORE’s (D-N.D.) and Joe Donnelly Joseph (Joe) Simon DonnellyHarris faces pivotal moment with Supreme Court battle Trump meets with potential Supreme Court pick Amy Coney Barrett at White House Names to watch as Trump picks Ginsburg replacement on Supreme Court MORE’s (D-Ind.) seats, could decide the next Senate majority.

Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine Timothy (Tim) Michael KaineHillicon Valley: Subpoenas for Facebook, Google and Twitter on the cards | Wray rebuffs mail-in voting conspiracies | Reps. raise mass surveillance concerns Democrats call for declassifying election threats after briefing by Trump officials Buttigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice MORE (Va.), asked about the calls for Kavanaugh to withdraw, said he wanted to see Kavanaugh testify.

“I want to see the hearing. I want to see the testimony, and I hope we’ll see testimony from more witnesses too,” Kaine said.

Kaine opposes Kavanaugh’s nomination and said the hearing won’t change his mind, but he stressed that it was important for understanding Kavanaugh’s character.

“I think you have to understand the character of the person you’re voting on,” he said, “and I think the public needs to see that.”