Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski announced Thursday that she will oppose President Donald Trump's nomination of Todd Blanche for attorney general, a decision that further complicates Blanche's path to confirmation.
Murkowski, a Republican, stated that while she found Blanche to be "decent and capable" following multiple meetings, she has reservations about the perceived politicization and "weaponization" of the Justice Department. She cited specific issues such as the handling of the Epstein files, immunity protections granted to the president and his businesses, statements made to anti-abortion groups, and the targeting of various individuals.
"The country needs an Attorney General who will check the worst impulses of this administration," Murkowski said in a statement. "I hope Mr. Blanche is able to achieve that, if confirmed, but I simply do not have confidence that will be the case."
Murkowski's opposition follows a similar stance from Sen. Susan Collins of Maine. With these two Republican defections, the party can afford only one more against the nomination. Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who has also expressed reservations, could become a decisive vote.
It remains unclear whether Murkowski's opposition will translate to a formal "no" vote or a procedural pairing arrangement with absent Sen. Mitch McConnell, which would allow her to abstain from voting while maintaining the Senate's balance.