Cassidy backs Blanche for attorney general

Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) announced on Friday that he will vote to confirm Todd Blanche as Attorney General, all but ensuring Blanche's confirmation. Cassidy was the last undecided Republican senator, and his support gives Senate Republicans the votes needed to advance the nomination despite opposition from Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, as well as all 47 Senate Democrats. The confirmation vote is expected to occur after the Senate finishes voting on a Russia sanctions bill, a stopgap funding measure, and a college athlete compensation bill. Blanche's nomination has been contentious due to concerns about the politicization of the Justice Department, including his role in a settlement that granted tax audit immunity to President Donald Trump and his family and created a $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund, which Blanche has since rescinded. Cassidy acknowledged Blanche's 'poor judgment' in approving the settlement but said he trusts Blanche to give the president candid legal advice. Murkowski and Collins cited concerns about Blanche's independence and the department's politicization. The confirmation would make Blanche the permanent head of the Justice Department, which has faced scrutiny over investigations into Trump's critics and an exodus of career prosecutors.