Sen. Cassidy throws Blanche a lifeline for attorney general nomination
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Newsletters Axios Local Show Axios Pro Axios Live The Axios Show Login Axios All topics Axios Search Updated 2 hours ago - Politics & Policy Sen. Cassidy throws Blanche a lifeline for attorney general nomination Hans Nichols , Josephine Walker email (opens in new window) sms (opens in new window) facebook (opens in new window) twitter (opens in new window) linkedin (opens in new window) bluesky (opens in new window) Add Axios on Google Add Axios as your preferred source to
Add Axios on Google Sen. Bill Cassidy. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) announced Friday that he will vote for Todd Blanche's for attorney general , boosting his prospects for confirmation before the Senate leaves for its August recess.
Why it matters: Cassidy's vote keeps Blanche's nomination alive despite previous opposition from Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Susan Collins (R-Maine).
What they're saying: "This is not a referendum on President Trump ," Cassidy said from the Senate floor Friday.
Zoom in: Cassidy pointed out in his speech what he called missteps under Blanche's DOJ leadership, including the controversial "anti-weaponization" fund , but noted that "even critics admit that Mr. Blanche knows the law" well and that Blanche will "run the department as effectively as anyone can under President Trump."
Between the lines: Blanche's nomination appeared to regain momentum earlier this week after Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) dropped their opposition following a written agreement with Blanche to terminate Trump's proposed anti-weaponization fund .
What we're watching: Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has repeatedly said he wants to vote on Blanche before the chamber's August recess.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional information throughout.
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