Story perspectives

Murkowski’s No Vote Threatens Blanche AG Nomination

8/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) votes “no” on Todd Blanche’s attorney-general nomination.
One more Republican “no” would defeat the nomination; Republicans hold 53 seats, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) absent, and Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) voted “no.”
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana) said he must be convinced Blanche is an attorney general, not just Donald Trump’s lawyer.
She objected to the Epstein files, immunity for President Donald Trump and a $2-billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund.”

History

Historical Context

In July 1987 President Reagan nominated Judge Robert Bork to replace Justice Lewis Powell; Democrats, led by Senator Ted Kennedy, framed him as an extremist and the Judiciary Committee voted 10-9 along party lines. On Oct 23 1987 the Senate rejected Bork 58-42, a defeat that signaled the rise of partisan battles later echoed in today’s attorney-general confirmation fight.

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Story summary

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) votes “no” on Todd Blanche’s attorney-general nomination.
One more Republican “no” would defeat the nomination; Republicans hold 53 seats, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) absent, and Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) voted “no.”
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana) said he must be convinced Blanche is an attorney general, not just Donald Trump’s lawyer.
She objected to the Epstein files, immunity for President Donald Trump and a $2-billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund.”

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