WASHINGTON — Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) announced Friday her opposition to Todd Blanche's nomination as Attorney General, significantly narrowing President Donald Trump's path to confirm his pick to lead the Justice Department.
Murkowski's decision follows Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), who also said she would vote against Blanche. Their combined opposition puts the confirmation on shaky ground given the Republican Party's thin Senate majority.
The Justice Department had actively courted Alaska, delivering nine-figure policy wins to the state. Officials openly touted those benefits as Blanche sought to secure Murkowski's vote.
Murkowski said opposition to the nomination had mounted among her constituents. Her office has received a growing number of communications from Alaska residents expressing concerns about the nominee.
With two Republican senators now publicly opposed, Blanche's confirmation hinges on the remaining undecided votes. If two more Republicans vote against him, Blanche would fall short of the 50 votes needed for confirmation.
Before Murkowski's announcement, attention had focused on Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana) and Murkowski as key Republicans whose positions remained uncertain. Cassidy's vote is now critical for the administration.
Trump nominated Blanche to serve as Attorney General in May. Committee hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee took place in July, where senators questioned his qualifications and independence.
A failed nomination would force Trump to select a new candidate, delaying his agenda for the department. The administration continues to lobby undecided senators, emphasizing Blanche's experience as a prosecutor.
