Via Axios: Susan Collins opposes Todd Blanche for attorney general. Collins’ vote won’t sink Blanche’s nomination on its own. “While I believe Mr. Blanche is a capable lawyer, the Department of Justice has become increasingly political,” Collins said in a statement. Blanche has taken several actions that have further eroded the Department’s independence, and that is the basis for my vote to oppose his confirmation.” The move is predictable, yet still interesting insofar as it does indicate that he is concerned about her reelection and will try to show her vaunted “independence” via such votes.