I have heard the argument that Blanche is the “least bad” choice between him and an acting Pulte. I don’t buy it. If Pulte is incompetent to act, impeach him. Cross that bridge when you come to it. Do not vote to confirm Todd Blanche.
Of course Doug is totally correct which reenforces the cynicism I feel toward all politicians. When I was Georgetown University as a law student in 1973 I was a congressional intern for John Heinz, a Republican member of Congress who later became a US Senator from Pennsylvania. Even then the automated letters that were sent to constituents were intentionally vague, but John Heinz took principled positions. He urged Richard Nixon to resign over the Watergate coverup even as a fellow Republican. Thom Tillis will not be remembered as a principled legislator.
I'm unaffiliated which means I'm part of a group of North Carolina voters that have greater numbers than either the Republicans or Democrats. Anyone running state wide will need to convince unaffiliated voters that they vote based on strongly held values.
Your fact-based, clear reporting helps give me permission to go ahead and express my own outrage. Outrage needs to become as normal as the massive corruption aims to be.
What Old Tom has shown over the years is consistently poor judgment. Whether that comes from an inability to foresee the consequences of his actions or simply not caring is hard to tell. What is clear is that North Carolina deserves a senator who actually represents the interests of North Carolinians — not a political placeholder whose biggest accomplishment is signing the back of his paycheck. Cooper is the solution!
I agree wholeheartedly, and have told Sen. Tillis the same (by phone and email). I actually got back a response that said this is an extremely important matter to him, but we will see how important his constituents are when we see his vote. Like you said, he often says the appropriate thing but then does the cowardly one.
Thank you for contacting me about the nomination of the Attorney General. I appreciate hearing from you.
I strongly believe that the duty of vetting executive branch nominees is one of the most important tasks I have as a United States Senator. The American people deserve public officials who will faithfully uphold the Constitution and enforce the law fairly and impartially.
Before supporting a nominee, I must be convinced that he or she is eminently qualified and possesses the integrity, judgment, and temperament necessary to serve in such an important position. Nominees should also demonstrate a commitment to the rule of law and the fair administration of justice. Finally, serving as Attorney General is a tremendous responsibility, and I believe all nominees deserve to be treated fairly throughout the confirmation process.
As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I take my role in evaluating nominees very seriously, and I will continue to support the thorough vetting of all nominees to ensure they are qualified to serve the American people. Please know, as nominees come before the Judiciary Committee and the full Senate, I will keep your views in mind.
Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me. Please do not hesitate to contact me again about other important issues.
Tillis’ response to your email is a classic form‑letter response: polished, non‑committal, and designed to sound principled while avoiding any direct engagement with your specific concern about Todd Blanche. It reiterates generic standards rather than addressing the nominee’s actual record or the substance of your message. It would appear, some staffer wrote this and Tillis had no idea of it's content- BECAUSE HE DOES NOT GIVE A DAM- IF I AM WRONG, HE WILL NOT VOTE FOR TRUMP'S LAWYER TO RUN THE JUSTICE DEPT. I HOPE I AM WRONG !!!
I have called repeatedly and have urged others to do the same. Several, but not enough, have followed my advice. Unfortunately, I believe he will vote to confirm, despite all of our efforts. Cornyn then becomes our only hope in committee. I'm sick of hearing about what a great guy he used to be and how much integrity he had. Who cares? He is no longer that man, and the current version does not deserve to be confirmed.
I agree with you he should not do it but as a serious question, why do you believe his past "regret" is honest? He says it is but it does not motivate him to change, he has never once done anything when it counts, nor has he given any evidence that he learned from past events.
Put simply, Tillis' "regret" like Susan Collins' "concern" seems to be entirely a pose that may help with a certain class of pundit, or with their own conscience, but it does nothing in the real world.
I have written Senator Tillis to remind him of his ill conceived vote for Pete Hegseth and ask him not to rely on private assurances from Todd Blanche. Unfortunately he seems inclined to approve Blanche’s nomination. I received a vague reply to my email stating only that he takes his vetting responsibility seriously. Tillis reminds me of Lindsay Graham and the rule of law is of little importance.
He will. His spine dissolved years ago. His questions gave him away yesterday. Had he been anywhere near serious he would have tried harder to nail Blanche at least once.
After he leaves office, will Tillis move back to NC or do as other defeated/retired Republicans, who while running professed great love for NC (Dole, Meadows, Cawthorn) move elsewhere?
I have heard the argument that Blanche is the “least bad” choice between him and an acting Pulte. I don’t buy it. If Pulte is incompetent to act, impeach him. Cross that bridge when you come to it. Do not vote to confirm Todd Blanche.
Doug & Nancy:
Of course Doug is totally correct which reenforces the cynicism I feel toward all politicians. When I was Georgetown University as a law student in 1973 I was a congressional intern for John Heinz, a Republican member of Congress who later became a US Senator from Pennsylvania. Even then the automated letters that were sent to constituents were intentionally vague, but John Heinz took principled positions. He urged Richard Nixon to resign over the Watergate coverup even as a fellow Republican. Thom Tillis will not be remembered as a principled legislator.
I'm unaffiliated which means I'm part of a group of North Carolina voters that have greater numbers than either the Republicans or Democrats. Anyone running state wide will need to convince unaffiliated voters that they vote based on strongly held values.
Your fact-based, clear reporting helps give me permission to go ahead and express my own outrage. Outrage needs to become as normal as the massive corruption aims to be.
What Old Tom has shown over the years is consistently poor judgment. Whether that comes from an inability to foresee the consequences of his actions or simply not caring is hard to tell. What is clear is that North Carolina deserves a senator who actually represents the interests of North Carolinians — not a political placeholder whose biggest accomplishment is signing the back of his paycheck. Cooper is the solution!
I agree wholeheartedly, and have told Sen. Tillis the same (by phone and email). I actually got back a response that said this is an extremely important matter to him, but we will see how important his constituents are when we see his vote. Like you said, he often says the appropriate thing but then does the cowardly one.
Tillis' response to my email on Blanche:
Dear Mr. George:
Thank you for contacting me about the nomination of the Attorney General. I appreciate hearing from you.
I strongly believe that the duty of vetting executive branch nominees is one of the most important tasks I have as a United States Senator. The American people deserve public officials who will faithfully uphold the Constitution and enforce the law fairly and impartially.
Before supporting a nominee, I must be convinced that he or she is eminently qualified and possesses the integrity, judgment, and temperament necessary to serve in such an important position. Nominees should also demonstrate a commitment to the rule of law and the fair administration of justice. Finally, serving as Attorney General is a tremendous responsibility, and I believe all nominees deserve to be treated fairly throughout the confirmation process.
As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I take my role in evaluating nominees very seriously, and I will continue to support the thorough vetting of all nominees to ensure they are qualified to serve the American people. Please know, as nominees come before the Judiciary Committee and the full Senate, I will keep your views in mind.
Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me. Please do not hesitate to contact me again about other important issues.
Sincerely,
Thom Tillis
U.S. Senator
Tillis’ response to your email is a classic form‑letter response: polished, non‑committal, and designed to sound principled while avoiding any direct engagement with your specific concern about Todd Blanche. It reiterates generic standards rather than addressing the nominee’s actual record or the substance of your message. It would appear, some staffer wrote this and Tillis had no idea of it's content- BECAUSE HE DOES NOT GIVE A DAM- IF I AM WRONG, HE WILL NOT VOTE FOR TRUMP'S LAWYER TO RUN THE JUSTICE DEPT. I HOPE I AM WRONG !!!
I got pretty much exactly the same response!!
I have called repeatedly and have urged others to do the same. Several, but not enough, have followed my advice. Unfortunately, I believe he will vote to confirm, despite all of our efforts. Cornyn then becomes our only hope in committee. I'm sick of hearing about what a great guy he used to be and how much integrity he had. Who cares? He is no longer that man, and the current version does not deserve to be confirmed.
I agree with you he should not do it but as a serious question, why do you believe his past "regret" is honest? He says it is but it does not motivate him to change, he has never once done anything when it counts, nor has he given any evidence that he learned from past events.
Put simply, Tillis' "regret" like Susan Collins' "concern" seems to be entirely a pose that may help with a certain class of pundit, or with their own conscience, but it does nothing in the real world.
I have written Senator Tillis to remind him of his ill conceived vote for Pete Hegseth and ask him not to rely on private assurances from Todd Blanche. Unfortunately he seems inclined to approve Blanche’s nomination. I received a vague reply to my email stating only that he takes his vetting responsibility seriously. Tillis reminds me of Lindsay Graham and the rule of law is of little importance.
Tillis back in NC? I certainly hope not.
The fund was bad enough but the tax immunity gift is the true killer. That went along with it, yes?
He will. His spine dissolved years ago. His questions gave him away yesterday. Had he been anywhere near serious he would have tried harder to nail Blanche at least once.
We all knew the Tillis and Cornyn from TX would cave in to the peer pressure from the Republican Facists. They always have and they always will.
How can a person with absolutely no moral or ethical code have regrets? Regrets he didn’t make more money?
Bad fingers.
After he leaves office, will Tillis move back to NC or do as other defeated/retired Republicans, who while running professed great love for NC (Dole, Meadows, Cawthorn) move elsewhere?
After he leaves office, will Tillr