GOP’s Cassidy didn’t have to back Blanche’s nomination. He made the wrong call anyway.

The White House and Republican leaders had no leverage over the Louisiana senator. It apparently didn’t matter.

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) announced Friday that he will vote for Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general, boosting his prospects for confirmation before the Senate leaves for its August recess. Why it matters: Cassidy's vote keeps Blanche's nomination alive despite previous opposition from Sens. Lisa Murkowski (

Bill Cassidy backed Todd Blanche's AG nomination, but GOP Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins remain opposed.

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., announced he would be supporting Todd Blanche's nomination to serve as attorney general. In his speech on the Senate floor, Cassidy explained his reasoning for the decision and voiced some concerns about the Trump administration's relationship with the Justice Department.