Sen. Bill Cassidy, a critical Republican holdout, backs Todd Blanche for attorney general

GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski says she will vote against Todd Blanche for AG, putting confirmation in jeopardy

WASHINGTON — Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., announced Friday he will vote for President Donald Trump’s pick of Todd Blanche for attorney general, likely assuring his confirmation.

“All considered, I will vote for Mr. Blanche. I’ll be criticized for this vote. What’s new?” Cassidy said in a floor speech after outlining concerns he said he weighed.

Cassidy’s decision is likely to be decisive in helping Blanche get confirmed to the powerful job.

While he’s “concerned about episodes of apparent lawfare,” Cassidy said, “even critics admit that Mr. Blanche knows the law and is a hands-on administrator.”

Republicans need support from 50 of their 53 senators to confirm Blanche.