Kavanaugh clears hurdle on way to top US court

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - U.S. President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee got one step closer to receiving approval Friday, but his path is still far from clear.

The Senate voted along near party lines 51 - 49 to advance Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation. But several key senators have yet to announce their support in a final confirmation vote.

Democratic Senator Joe Manchin joined 50 Republicans in voting for Kavanaugh, but Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski voted against advancing him alongside 46 Democrats and both of the chamber's independents.

The Senate is expected to vote on Kavanaugh's confirmation Saturday.