Cassidy Holds the Vote That Could Sink Blanche's Attorney General Bid

WASHINGTON — Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana is scheduled to announce his vote on Todd Blanche's attorney general nomination in a 10:40 a.m. speech on the Senate floor. If Cassidy opposes Blanche, the nomination fails.

Blanche requires Senate confirmation to move from acting attorney general to the permanent post. Two Republican senators — Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine — have already declared their opposition.

That leaves Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota with almost no room to maneuver. Thune needs nearly every Republican vote to overcome Democratic opposition and reach the 51 votes required for confirmation.

President Trump nominated Blanche, his former personal attorney, to lead the Justice Department. Blanche has publicly pledged to make the Dobbs abortion ruling permanent in every state, a position that drew opposition from Murkowski and Collins.

Blanche met with Cassidy and Murkowski on Capitol Hill this week in an effort to lock down votes ahead of the floor vote. The absence of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell further complicates Thune's count. A single additional Republican defection would sink the nomination.

A failed confirmation would force Trump to find a new nominee to lead the Justice Department.