Another Republican Says They Will Vote Against Trump-Backed Blanche’s Confirmation

Trump did not immediately comment on Murkowski’s announcement, but he had criticized the Senator just the day before.

“I am against Murkowski,” he said in an interview, when asked about the possibility of the lawmaker opposing his nominee. “I do more for Alaska than any President in history. No President has done for Alaska what I’ve done. She’s not good.”

The Republican margin is further complicated by the weeks-long absence of Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, who remains away from public duties as he recovers from a hospital stay prompted by a fall.

Blanche’s fate could now rest heavily on how Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana votes. Cassidy lost his re-election primary in May to a Trump-backed candidate.

A Senate rejection would be a blow to Trump’s efforts to fill his Cabinet with members of his inner circle—Blanche formerly served as the President’s personal attorney.

Trump, however, said last week he would have “no objection” to withdrawing Blanche’s nomination and keeping him in his current position as acting Attorney General—an alternative route he reiterated on Thursday.