Trump pick Todd Blanche clears major hurdle in bid to become US attorney general

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy said on Friday he would back Todd Blanche for attorney general, clearing a path for Donald Trump’s nominee after weeks of scrutiny over the Justice Department’s independence from the White House. Cassidy emerged as the probable deciding vote after Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of ‌Alaska said she would oppose Blanche for the top US law enforcement job, leaving the nomination on the brink. Cassidy’s support for Blanche capped one of the most contentious cabinet…