Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., announced Friday that he will vote to confirm Todd Blanche as the next attorney general, a decision that likely solidifies Blanche's ascent to the nation's top law enforcement position. Cassidy's vote means Blanche can afford to lose only one more Republican senator and still be confirmed, given that Sens. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Susan Collins, R-Maine, have already declared their opposition.
Cassidy acknowledged that Blanche is "not perfect" and cited specific concerns, including "poor judgment in approving the anti-weaponization slush fund and exempting the president from IRS audits," as well as allowing the Justice Department to target political opponents. However, Cassidy concluded that the choice is not between perfection and Blanche, but rather between Blanche and another acting attorney general who might not lead the department effectively under a potential President Trump.
"This puts at risk the progress made fighting violent crime, human and drug trafficking and fraud. And this does not serve the American people well," Cassidy stated, emphasizing that his decision was not a referendum on any particular president but a specific assessment of Blanche under current circumstances.
With Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., absent due to ongoing health issues, the confirmation vote is sensitive to the loss of Republican support. Cassidy's support is seen as crucial in securing the necessary votes for confirmation.