Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said Friday she won’t vote to confirm Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to the role, citing the “weaponization” of the Justice Department and its “slash fund.”
Her decision makes for an even narrower vote to confirm Blanche, who needs a simple majority in the Senate to be confirmed.
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Murkowski shared the decision in a post on X on Friday, saying she appreciated Blanche visiting Alaska and said he “comes across as decent and capable.” She noted, however, she will not vote in his favor.
“Ultimately, however, I will oppose his nomination,” Murkowski wrote. “The politicization—even weaponization—of the Department did not start with this administration but has accelerated during it.”
Murkowski joins other Senate Republicans who aren’t backing Blanche, including Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.
Vote hinges on Cassidy
The full Senate had been expected to vote on Blanche’s nomination Friday, with his confirmation hinging on Murkowski and Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., who now will likely be the sole decider of his fate.
On Thursday, Cassidy told NBC, “No comment on Blanche.” However, Cassidy’s relationship with President Donald Trump and the administration has been strained.
Trump worked to oust Cassidy from the Senate, endorsing his opponent in the Louisiana primary, which Cassidy lost.
Meanwhile, Cassidy voted to convict Trump during his second impeachment trial and challenged the president’s authority on military engagement with Iran.