'Mr. Blanche is not perfect, but…': Sen Cassidy announces support for Trump's attorney general pick

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., said Friday he will vote to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general, giving President Donald Trump’s embattled nominee a crucial vote after two other Senate Republicans announced their opposition. Cassidy’s support appears to give Blanche the 50 votes he needs for confirmation, assuming no other Republicans defect. Republicans hold 53 seats, but Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, have said they will vote against Blanche, while Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., remains absent from the Senate — leaving Blanche with exactly 50 Republican votes.