McConnell Absence Jeopardizes Todd Blanche Nomination as Republicans Have Just 1 Vote to Spare
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 5
McConnell Absence Jeopardizes Todd Blanche Nomination as Republicans Have Just 1 Vote to Spare
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 5
Summary
Todd Blanche’s path to attorney general has narrowed sharply after Sen. Susan Collins said she would vote no, leaving Republicans only one vote to spare while Mitch McConnell remains absent.
McConnell has been out since early June and said July 27 that he was still not medically cleared to return, raising pressure as the Senate rushes to finish work before its August break.
John Kennedy said three Republicans are still on the fence about Blanche, making McConnell’s missing vote more consequential even though his absence has not derailed most legislation so far.
Andy Beshear said an Aug. 3 date cited in speculation about replacing McConnell had no legal effect, but noted Kentucky would require a special election—not a gubernatorial appointment—if the seat became vacant.
Beshear argued the vacancy risk is already hurting Trump’s broader agenda, citing tighter margins for the SAVE Act, possible Iran-related votes and any future Supreme Court replacement.