I thought that pairing was done for someone “across the aisle.” But maybe I misunderstood and can be done either way.
But what about Joe Manchin being there and voting for Judge Kavanuagh. Wouldn’t that provide the 51 Senators present to vote (if the wedding Senator stayed to vote before leaving). And then also Vice-President Pence on hand for extra measure. Wouldn’t that be the right way to go about things?
VP doesn’t count towards a quorum: Constitution requirs “a majority” of *Senators*.
Manchin... yeah, but would the Dems make it ‘worth his while’? I don’t know. They’ve done crazier things to stop Kav.
Mitch wants to avoid any mess and ensure there is a quorum.