The domestic-abuse allegations against Rep. Keith Ellison have muddled the Democratic Party’s “believe women” message at a crucial juncture in the party’s bid to sink the Supreme Court nomination of Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh.
After paying scant attention to the month-old Ellison charges, Democrats have watched the issue resurface amid growing complaints that the party has one standard for Mr. Ellison and another for Mr. Kavanaugh, who has been accused by a California woman of assaulting her while they were in high school.
Sen. Mazie Hirono, Hawaii Democrat, was forced to address the issue Sunday under questioning by CNN’s Jake Tapper, two days after Mr. Ellison was grilled during a televised debate about the allegations made by ex-girlfriend Karen Monahan.
“As far as Keith Ellison, these allegations need to be investigated and appropriate action taken,” said Ms. Hirono on CNN’s “State of the Union.”