Another Key GOP Senator Hesitant to Back Blanche

Sen. John Cornyn is a crucial swing vote on the Judiciary Committee.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche

The Judiciary Committee is split 12-10 between Republicans and Democrats, and an even break would effectively kill the nomination. This means Todd Blanche must secure the vote of every Republican for his nomination to make it to the full Senate floor. Tom Williams/AP

Another key Republican member of the Senate Judiciary Committee opened the door Tuesday to voting against the confirmation of President Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general, Todd Blanche, leaving a potentially thorny path for him to stay atop the Justice Department.

Sen. John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas who represents a crucial swing vote on the committee, said he had a meeting with Blanche on Tuesday but refused to fully back him.

“It was a positive meeting, but I didn’t reach any conclusions,” Cornyn said. “I’m going to wait until after the hearing, but he’s obviously a good lawyer and he gave a lawyer’s answers to my questions. So, I thought it was a good start.”