Collins opposes Blanche for AG after panel advances him 12-10

Sen. Susan Collins of Maine said she will vote against Todd Blanche for attorney general, narrowing the path for President Donald Trump’s nominee after the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced him on a 12-10 party-line vote. Collins said the Justice Department has become too political and pointed to Blanche’s role in a Trump-IRS settlement that gave the president and his family an audit shield, as well as the now-canceled anti-weaponization fund. Blanche, the acting attorney general, also drew criticism over a pledge to seek a nationwide ban on mailing abortion medication. Republicans hold a 53-47 Senate majority, but Blanche can afford to lose only two GOP votes because Sen. Mitch McConnell is out on extended medical leave.