Palo Alto Congresswoman Speaks Out About Constituent

PALO ALTO, CA -- Congresswoman Anna Eshoo said she is glad the woman who has accused U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of improper sexual behavior stepped forward and identified herself, and added detail to her accusation.

"I'm proud of my constituent for the courage she has displayed to come forward to tell her full story to the American people," Eshoo, D-Palo Alto, said in a statement this afternoon. "In weighing her privacy and the consequences to herself and her family, she has demonstrated her willingness to risk these factors to present the truth."

That constituent is Christine Blasey Ford, a professor at Palo Alto University who trains graduate students in clinical psychology. She spoke to the Washington Post for a story published Sunday. Ford told the Post that at a party in Maryland in the early 1980s, Kavanaugh pinned her to a bed on her back and groped her over her clothes. When she tried to scream, she told the Post, Kavanaugh put his hand over her mouth.

In July, Ford contacted both the Post and Eshoo's office about her assertions about Kavanaugh. She did not go public with her name until the Post story was published. In a formal statement, Kavanaugh - now a United States Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals -- said, "I categorically and unequivocally deny this allegation. I did not do this back in high school or at any time."

On Sunday, several legislators called for a delay in Kavanaugh's confirmation until Ford's assertions are thoroughly vetted. Eshoo said today she is glad Ford stepped up. "I am grateful to her for weighing these equities and choosing to speak out on one of the most consequential decisions in our country, an appointment to the highest court in the land," Eshoo said in her statement.

"In a democracy we always seek the truth and honor it."

--Bay City News/Images via Congresswoman Anna Eschoo's Washington office and Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images