U.S. Supreme Court Nominee Questioned Over Private Poker Games

U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh gambles, and at least one Senator wants to know about it before he’s confirmed as an associate justice for the highest court in the land.

The beleaguered judge is nearing the end of the confirmation process, with Senators recently submitting written questions to Kavanaugh. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) asked in a 14-page question list submitted Monday whether Kavanaugh is a poker aficionado.

“Do you play in a regular or periodic poker game?” Whitehouse asked. “If yes, please list the dates, participants, location/venue, and amounts won/lost.”

Kavanaugh’s responses are due Wednesday by 6 p.m. ET.

Kavanaugh was questioned more broadly about his gambling habits thanks to information lawmakers received that the judge had racked up as much as $200,000 in credit card debt as recently as 2016. The Trump Administration, which nominated Kavanaugh, claimed his debt came from improvements to his million-dollar home and Washington Nationals tickets for himself and a “handful” of friends.

Whitehouse has asked Kavanaugh for the specifics regarding the baseball tickets and the home repairs, even requesting that he identify the people he purportedly bought tickets for.

Kavanaugh was also questioned over a document from his tenure in the Bush Administration in 2001 which mentioned a “game of dice” where Kavanaugh lost his cool.

After a reunion with friends in September 2001, Kavanaugh wrote in email: “Apologies to all for missing Friday (good excuse), and growing aggressive after blowing still another game of dice (don’t recall). Reminders to everyone to be very, very vigilant [with regard to] confidentiality on all issues and all fronts, including with spouses.”

Sen. Whitehouse wants to know the extent of his gambling habits since the year 2000.

“Since 2000, have you participated in any form of gambling or game of chance or skill with monetary stakes, including but not limited to poker, dice, golf, sports betting, blackjack, and craps? If yes, please list the dates, participants, location/venue, and amounts won/lost.”

Whitehouse also asked point-blank if he had amassed gambling debt in New Jersey (Atlantic City).

Furthermore, Whitehouse asked: “Have you ever sought treatment for a gambling addiction?”

Throughout American history it has been common for judges and lawmakers to enjoy friendly games of poker. However, six-figure credit card debts apparently have some wondering how much Kavanaugh likes to roll the dice.

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