Senate confirms Todd Blanche as attorney general in 50-49 vote

The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as U.S. attorney general early Saturday on a 50-49 vote, elevating President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer to lead the Justice Department. All Democrats voted no, along with Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana backed Blanche after voicing concerns about his judgment, giving the nomination a path to passage as Sen. Mitch McConnell was absent. Blanche had also cleared a late hurdle by providing a written statement rescinding the Justice Department's proposed $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund after objections from Republican senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis.