Cassidy Backs Blanche AG Nomination—Why Murkowski and Collins Will Vote No
Bill Cassidy backed Todd Blanche's AG nomination, but GOP Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins remain opposed.
Todd Blanche secured a significant endorsement from Senator Bill Cassidy on Friday, clearing the way for his confirmation as Attorney General despite opposition from Senator Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins. Cassidy's decision came after he consulted former Attorney General William Barr, who argued that Blanche's prior association with Trump would make him more likely to challenge the administration when necessary.
Murkowski and Collins, however, voiced their opposition, citing concerns about Blanche's handling of high-profile controversies and the Justice Department's increasing politicization. Murkowski expressed skepticism that Trump's administration had truly abandoned the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and his reported comments to anti-abortion groups.
Collins pointed to four specific objections, including Blanche's approval of protections shielding Trump and his family from IRS audits and his reported promise to an anti-abortion group to prohibit the mailing of abortion medication nationwide.
Despite these concerns, Cassidy maintained that Blanche was not perfect but argued that confirming him would be better than leaving the Justice Department in the hands of an acting official. He emphasized that Blanche could effectively lead the department under Trump and warned that a prolonged confirmation battle could jeopardize ongoing efforts against violent crime, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and fraud.
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