Collins Opposes Todd Blanche for Attorney General, Leaving Him 1 GOP Vote Short
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Aug 4
Collins Opposes Todd Blanche for Attorney General, Leaving Him 1 GOP Vote Short
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Aug 4
Summary
Susan Collins said she will vote against Todd Blanche’s attorney general confirmation, becoming the first Republican to publicly oppose him after his nomination reached the Senate floor.
Collins cited actions she said further eroded Justice Department independence, pointing to Blanche’s role in an IRS settlement with Donald Trump and his pledge to seek a nationwide ban on mailing abortion medication.
Blanche now needs one yes vote from either Bill Cassidy or Lisa Murkowski to be confirmed, with both Republicans still undecided.
The setback came hours after John Curtis backed Blanche and after the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced him 12-10, following written assurances narrowing a disputed IRS settlement.