- The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as US attorney general.
- Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana supported the nomination, clearing the path despite opposition from two Republican senators.
- Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins stated they would vote 'no', which was significant as Republicans could only afford to lose two members on the vote.
The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as the new US attorney general on Saturday, with a narrow 50-49 vote. Blanche's confirmation faced significant hurdles due to his previous role as a personal lawyer for former President Donald Trump, which raised concerns among some Republican senators.1
Despite this, Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana played a crucial role in securing the necessary votes for Blanche's confirmation, providing support that ultimately cleared the path for his nomination. Cassidy's backing was particularly vital as Republicans could only afford to lose two votes in the tightly contested confirmation process.2
Opposition came from Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, both of whom publicly declared their intention to vote “no” on Blanche's nomination. Their dissent highlighted the divisions within the Republican party regarding Blanche's past actions and associations.3
The final vote tally of 50-49 underscores the contentious nature of the confirmation, reflecting the delicate balance of power within the Senate and the challenges faced by nominees with controversial backgrounds.
“Republicans could only afford to lose two members on the vote, and both Murkowski and Collins opposed. Cassidy's backing proved decisive, overcoming Blanche's past actions that had drawn scrutiny.”
