Senate confirms Todd Blanche as attorney general in 50-49 vote
What's new: Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins joined Democrats in opposition, while Bill Cassidy's support proved decisive.
The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general early Friday in a 50-49 vote, giving President Donald Trump his nominee after a tense push for Republican support. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine were the only Republicans to vote no, and all Democrats opposed the nomination. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky was absent. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, whose backing had become pivotal, voted yes after saying Blanche was preferable to possible alternatives serving in an acting role. Murkowski said she lacked confidence Blanche would restrain what she called the politicization of the Justice Department, and she pointed to concerns over presidential immunity and a now-rescinded anti-weaponization fund.