Top Senate Republicans have urged the White House to withdraw Andrew Puzder’s nomination for labor secretary — with four firm Republican no votes and possibly as many as 12, it was reported Wednesday.
Puzder needs at least 50 votes to be confirmed, with Vice President Mike Pence providing the 51st vote if there’s a tie.
But Republicans only control 52 seats — so four defections would kill his nomination since all 48 Democrats oppose Puzder.
CNN reported that GOP leaders feel they can’t round up the 50 votes.
There was also a report that Puzder might pull out on his own.
“He’s getting very tired of the abuse,” CBC White House reporter Major Garrett tweeted, quoting a “source very close” to Puzder.
Puzder, the CEO of the company that owns the Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. fast food chains, has faced fierce opposition from Democrats upset at his position on labor issues.
Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Tim Scott of South Carolina and Johnny Isakson of George have told their leaders they will not vote for Puzder, CNN reported.
Murkowski and Collins also withheld their support for Trump’s choice of Betsy DeVos for Education Secretary. She eventually won confirmation after Pence cast his vote to break a 50-50 tie.
Puzder’s nomination has been troubled by his admission that he didn’t pay taxes on an undocumented worker in his household and allegations that he threatened his ex-wife when she made abuse allegations.
Puzder’s hearing, delayed several times, is now scheduled for Thursday.