“I have carefully reviewed Todd Blanche’s qualifications to be Attorney General,” Collins said. “While I believe Mr. Blanche is a capable lawyer, the Department of Justice has become increasingly political.” Collins said her opposition is based not on Blanche’s legal abilities, but on what she described as a pattern of decisions that have undermined public confidence in the Justice Department’s independence. Collins further pointed to the Justice Department’s attempt under Blanche’s leadership to indict U.S. Collins has frequently emphasized the importance of maintaining the Justice Department’s independence from political influence.