This is behind a paywall for me. Apparently Avenatti's client was sued previously for harassing an employer for false sex abuse claims.
http://dailycaller.com/2018/09/28/kavanaugh-accuser-swetnick-sued/
They had the vote. They still have the votes.
Without the FBI investigation, Hinoro's words would be used as a hammer against Kavanaugh and Trump.
Trump said the FBI has "free reign." That means over everyone and everything.