[mrsmith]

No A quorum requires a majority of all Senators.
“Pairing” votes counts both voters towards a quorum.

“When less than a quorum votes, but the addition of names of Senators present and paired and announcing votes made a quorum, the vote is valid.” Riddick’s Senate Procedure, p. 1431.”

That’s the Senate rule. So there will be a valid vote. No matter what.

[Cedar]

I must be a little thick.

So with wedding Senator gone, the vote is valid because it’s paired. But with wedding Senator there (and with Joe Manchin’s vote), the vote would not be valid. Is that correct?

[PapaBear3625]

“When less than a quorum votes, but the addition of names of Senators present and paired and announcing votes made a quorum, the vote is valid.” Riddick’s Senate Procedure, p. 1431.” That’s the Senate rule. So there will be a valid vote. No matter what.

It doesn't matter what the rules allow. There need to be 51 Senators voting for Kavanaugh, otherwise the Dems will declare Kavanaugh's appointment illegitimate. What matters is public perception, not the rule book.