GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski comes out against Todd Blanche for attorney general, putting his nomination in jeopardy - NBC News

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., announced Friday he will vote to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general, a decision likely decisive in securing the nomination for President Donald Trump's pick.
In a floor speech, Cassidy acknowledged concerns about "apparent lawfare" but said "even critics admit that Mr. Blanche knows the law and is a hands-on administrator," adding, "I'll be criticized for this vote. What's new?"
Republicans need 50 of their 53 senators to confirm Blanche, and two centrist Republicans—Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine—have announced their opposition.
Murkowski said the country needs an attorney general who "will check the worst impulses of this administration" and warned of the "politicization" and "even weaponization" of the Justice Department under Trump.
She cited the department's handling of files in the Jeffrey Epstein case and criticized a proposed $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund, which she labeled a "slush fund."
With Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., out indefinitely and Democrats expected to oppose the nomination, a third Republican defection would have blocked Blanche; the White House welcomed Cassidy's support, calling it "great news."