We should have anticipated this from Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). The so-called Alaskan Republican was mum on Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination. She wouldn’t comment, but we knew she could vote no, and now she’s made it official: she’s opposing his nomination for our nation’s top law enforcement position.

I have had numerous constructive meetings with Mr. Blanche and he comes across as decent and capable. I appreciate the trip he made to learn more about Alaska, including our rural areas, and as Acting Attorney General he has made several noteworthy decisions that will benefit our state and the nation.

Ultimately, however, I will oppose his nomination.

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 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.

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. Once we vote, that will end, and there is no telling what the future holds.

The country needs an Attorney General who will check the worst impulses of this administration. I hope Mr. Blanche is able to achieve that, if confirmed, but I simply do not have confidence that will be the case.

“The country needs an Attorney General who will check the worst impulses of this administration.” Who wrote this — a Democrat? 

Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) already said she would vote against Mr. Blanche for attorney general, which means all eyes are on Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), who is currently undecided. If Cassidy opposes, that’s the ballgame. The GOP can only afford two defections. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) was away due to a family health emergency — his wife had an appendectomy — but pledged to be present for the full confirmation vote. That could’ve given us a bit more cushion.

This nomination already hit a bump in the committee phase, where Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) had to be convinced regarding the DOJ’s $1.8 billion anti-weapons fund. Blanche and the two senators negotiated for days, and the pair finally agreed to support the nomination.