Cassidy Says He Will Back Blanche, Paving Way for Confirmation

The Louisiana Republican was the deciding vote on President Trump’s nominee to lead the Justice Department.

Sen. Bill Cassidy

Sen. Bill Cassidy announced he would support Todd Blanche’s nomination to serve as Attorney General. Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP Images

Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy announced that he will support acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination to lead the Justice Department, handing him enough votes for confirmation as early as later today before the Senate leaves for the August break.

“All considered, I will vote for Mr. Blanche,” Cassidy said in a speech on the Senate floor.

Cassidy defended Blanche on a number of fronts. He noted that Blanche was not the decider of pardons given out to Jan. 6 rioters and that even when he gives advice, President Donald Trump does not have to listen.