Sen. Lisa Murkowski — the only Republican to join Democrats’ filibuster against Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh — explained her vote Friday, saying she believes he is a good man but not the right man for the high court.

The Alaska Republican told reporters she hadn’t made up her mind about how she would vote until she entered the chamber Friday morning, and had been wrestling with evaluating Judge Kavanaugh based on his qualifications and the swirling allegations of sexual assault.

“I believe we are dealing with issues right now that are bigger than a nominee in how we assure that our institutions — not only the legislative branch but the judicial branch — continue to be respected,” Ms. Murkowski said.

“I took the very, very difficult vote that I did. I believe Brett Kavanaugh is a good man. I believe he is a good man. It just might be, in my view, he is not the right man for the court at this time,” she added.

The judge cleared a filibuster on a 51-49 vote.

His final confirmation vote is scheduled for Saturday afternoon.

After the vote was over Friday morning Ms. Murkowski remained on the floor talking with staffers, them approached a few of her Republican colleagues and appeared to be apologizing for not being able to back Judge Kavanaugh.

“It’s okay,” one senator told her.

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