Washington (CNN) South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said Tuesday that if President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh's vote fails in the US Senate, Trump should re-nominate him.

"I believe Judge Kavanaugh will be confirmed to the Supreme Court very soon," Graham said in a statement. "However, if his nomination were to fall short, I would encourage President Trump to re-nominate Judge Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. It would -- in effect -- be appealing the Senate's verdict directly to the American people."

Graham encouraged his colleagues to stand by Kavanaugh, whose nomination is awaiting the results of an FBI investigation into a sexual assault allegation against him by Christine Blasey Ford as well as an accusation of inappropriate sexual behavior by Deborah Ramirez. Both incidents allegedly happened in the 1980s. Kavanaugh has denied all the allegations against him.

"I would again ask every senator who believes Judge Kavanaugh is a highly qualified, capable nominee to the Supreme Court to not quit on him," Graham said. "It is incredibly important we do not legitimize these smears and attempts at character assassination for the good of the Court, the future of the Senate, and the character of our nation."

Read More