Collins, a moderate from Maine, was seen as a potential Republican vote following Manchin’s decision not to support Tanden. Democrats hold the Senate by a 50-50 margin, and Manchin’s announcement has been seen as devastating to his chances.
She cited Tanden’s past criticism of her Senate colleagues on social media for her decision and said the OMB candidate did not have “the experience or the temper” to lead the office. .
“Congress must be able to trust the director of OMB to make countless decisions impartially, within the letter of the law and the intention of Congress,” Collins said in a statement Monday. “Neera Tanden does not have the experience or the temperament to lead this critical agency. Her past actions have demonstrated exactly the kind of animosity President Biden is committed to transcending.”
Collins continued that Tanden’s deletion of the tweets ahead of its confirmation announcement “raises concerns about its commitment to transparency.”
Manchin also said he would vote against Tanden because of his past criticism on social media of Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, as well as Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent who Caucasus with the Democrats.
“Neera Tanden = accomplished political expert, would be the first Asian American woman to lead the OMB, had an experience having benefited from a number of federal programs as a child, awaiting committee votes this week and continuing to work for its confirmation, ”Psaki wrote.