Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) announced Friday she will vote against acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination to assume the position full time.
Murkowski is the second Republican senator to say her vote is no for Blanche.
Her announcement puts Blanche’s confirmation in jeopardy as one more “no” vote could sink or delay it.
Murkowski said in a post on X she had “numerous constructive meetings with Blanche” and appreciated the trip he took to Alaska.
https://x.com/lisamurkowski/status/2085667540265504961?s=20
On his trip he learned about the law-enforcement challenges faced by remote communities.
Despite this, she still has reservations.
“The politicization — even weaponization — of the Department did not start with this administration but has accelerated during it. I take issue with the handling of the release of the [Jeffrey] Epstein files; the sweeping immunity protections granted to the President, his family, and their businesses; the statements that have been made to anti-abortion groups; and the repeated targeting of individuals ranging from former administration staff to sitting U.S. Senators,” Murkowski said.
She is also concerned about whether Blanche would continue to oppose the establishment of a nearly $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund to compensate MAGA allies once he is confirmed.
“I am also keenly aware that the Department’s nearly $2-billion dollar slush fund — which likely would have rewarded January 6 protesters — is only off the table because this nomination is pending and the Senate has leverage,” she said. “Once we vote, that will end, and there is no telling what the future holds.”
Murkowski asserted the U.S. needs a chief law enforcement officer to “check the worst impulses of this administration.”
She is not sure if Blanche would do that.
“I hope Mr. Blanche is able to achieve that, if confirmed, but I simply do not have confidence that will be the case,” Murkowski said.
Murkowski is not the only GOP lawmaker to vote no.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) announced earlier this week l she would vote against Blanche.
Collins called Blanche “a capable lawyer” but said the DOJ under his leadership has “become increasingly political.”
She said Blanche’s actions during his tenure as deputy attorney general “further eroded the department’s independence” and politicalnted to that as “the basis for my vote to oppose his confirmation.”
Murkowski’s and Collin’s opposition to Blanche’s nomination means there can be only one more opposer and still confirm Blanche.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has an effective majority of 52 seats; all 47 members of the Senate Democratic caucus are expected to oppose Blanche.
The one remaining undecided Republican is Sen. Bill Cassidy (La.), who met with his staff on Thursday to discuss Blanche’s nomination. He has declined to comment on how he might vote.