Sen. Cassidy throws Blanche a lifeline for attorney general nomination
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Sen. Bill Cassidy. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) announced Friday that he will vote for Todd Blanche's for attorney general, boosting his prospects for confirmation before the Senate leaves for its August recess.
Why it matters: Cassidy's vote keeps Blanche's nomination alive despite previous opposition from Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Susan Collins (R-Maine).
- Given the continued absence of Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Blanche could afford to lose only two GOP votes if Democrats do as expected and vote along party lines.
What they're saying: "This is not a referendum on President Trump," Cassidy said from the Senate floor Friday.
- "It is a decision regarding Mr. Blanche in very specific circumstances. All considered, I will vote for Mr. Blanche. I'll be criticized for this vote. What's new?"
- "But [the] people of Louisiana can be assured that I worked hard to understand the issue, and to make the right decision."
Zoom in: Cassidy pointed out in his speech what he called missteps under Blanche's DOJ leadership, including the controversial "anti-weaponization" fund, but noted that "even critics admit that Mr. Blanche knows the law" well and that Blanche will "run the department as effectively as anyone can under President Trump."
- "The choice is not between perfection and Mr. Blanche. It is between Mr. Blanche and another acting attorney general who may not run the department effectively under President Trump, and who indeed may not be as good as Mr. Blanche."
- "This puts at risk the progress made fighting violent crime, human drug trafficking, and fraud. And this does not serve the American people well," Cassidy said.
Between the lines: Blanche's nomination appeared to regain momentum earlier this week after Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) dropped their opposition following a written agreement with Blanche to terminate Trump's proposed anti-weaponization fund.
- But Murkowski's Friday announcement that she wouldn't support Blanche raised fresh doubts before Cassidy announced his support.
What we're watching: Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has repeatedly said he wants to vote on Blanche before the chamber's August recess.
- A vote has not yet been scheduled.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional information throughout.
