1. United States
2. La.
3. Letter

As your constituent, I am writing to urge you to vote NO on the confirmation of Todd Blanche as Attorney General of the United States. I appreciate that this is a difficult vote, but I believe the Attorney General must serve the Constitution and the American people above any president or political party. The Department of Justice depends on public trust that its decisions are made impartially and without political influence. My greatest concern is Mr. Blanche's conflict of interest. He served as President Trump's personal criminal defense attorney, representing him in multiple high-profile criminal cases. That close attorney-client relationship creates an unavoidable appearance that his primary loyalty may remain with one individual rather than with the American people. Even if he intends to act independently, the public's confidence in the Justice Department would be severely undermined. I am also deeply troubled by the Department of Justice's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files while Mr. Blanche has been in DOJ leadership. The public deserves complete transparency consistent with the law, regardless of where the evidence leads or whose interests may be affected. Americans across the political spectrum have expressed frustration that the process has appeared inconsistent and incomplete, and I believe the Attorney General must restore confidence rather than deepen skepticism. Beyond these issues, I am concerned about preserving the Justice Department's independence. The Attorney General must be willing to tell any president "no" when the law requires it. Recent events have raised bipartisan concerns about whether Mr. Blanche would provide that independent judgment. Senators from both parties have questioned whether he can serve as an independent guardian of the rule of law rather than as the President's advocate. Louisiana deserves an Attorney General who is unquestionably independent, free from conflicts of interest, committed to equal justice under the law, and dedicated to protecting the integrity of our legal system. I have often respected your willingness to place principle above party when you believed it was the right thing to do. I hope you will do so again by voting against Todd Blanche's confirmation. You can be an American hero here. Thank you for your service and for considering the views of one of your constituents.