Cassidy backs Blanche for attorney general, clearing way for confirmation

Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana announced Friday he will support Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general, paving the way for his permanent leadership of the Justice Department. Cassidy's endorsement was the crucial vote needed for Blanche's confirmation.

"Mr. Blanche is not perfect, and he will tell you this, but the choice is not between perfection and Mr. Blanche," Cassidy stated on the Senate floor. "It is between Mr. Blanche and another acting attorney general who may not run the department effectively under President Trump and who indeed may not be as good as Mr. Blanche."

With Cassidy's backing, Blanche is expected to secure confirmation, albeit by a slim margin. Republicans control the Senate, but Blanche could only afford to lose the votes of two GOP senators. Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska had already declared their opposition, making Cassidy's vote the deciding factor. All Democrats are anticipated to vote against Blanche.

The Senate plans to vote on several GOP priorities Friday before recessing for five weeks. It remains uncertain if Blanche's confirmation vote will be part of this final push, as expediting the process would require Democratic consent.

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Mr. Blanche is not perfect, and he will tell you this, but the choice is not between perfection and Mr. Blanche. It is between Mr. Blanche and another acting attorney general who may not run the department effectively under President Trump and who indeed may not be as good as Mr. Blanche.