Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) announced her opposition to confirming Todd Blanche as attorney general, leaving Republicans without margin for error.
With Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) expected absent and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) also voting no, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), who lost reelection to a President Donald Trump-backed challenger, emerged as the decisive vote, according to reports by Common Dreams‘ Jake Johnson.
In a statement, Murkowski cited Blanche’s handling of Epstein files, immunity protections for Trump and his family, statements to anti-abortion groups, and targeting of individuals including senators.
“I am also keenly aware that the Department’s nearly $2-billion dollar slush fund — which likely would have rewarded January 6 protesters — is only off the table because this nomination is pending and the Senate has leverage. Once we vote, that will end, and there is no telling what the future holds,” Murkowski added.
Cassidy, who met with Blanche but hadn’t previously disclosed his position, stated Blanche must be “an attorney general who just happens to have been Trump’s personal attorney,” not the reverse. He later revealed in a dramatic decision he would vote to confirm Blanche despite some misgivings.
Cassidy previously voted to convict Trump for inciting January 6 but cast the deciding vote confirming Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
Republicans hoped to confirm Blanche before the August recess.
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