Obama's Attorney General Pick Faces Growing Criticism

[babylonsister]

The more the rethugs whine, the more I think we need Holder in this position.


Obama's Attorney General Pick Faces Growing Criticism

By Carrie Johnson
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, January 10, 2009; Page A01


Eric H. Holder Jr. is facing increasing resistance to his bid to become the next attorney general, emerging from President-elect Barack Obama's Cabinet nominees as the prime target of Senate Republicans, both because of troubling episodes during his service in the Clinton administration and because of the sensitivity of the post overseeing the Justice Department.

With two days of confirmation hearings set to begin Thursday, Holder must demonstrate his independence from Obama to a vocal chorus of GOP lawmakers who want to warn the incoming president that he should not veer too far to the left on national security and judicial nominations. The attorney general plays a pivotal role in those issues, which are of intense concern to conservatives.

What was considered a smooth path to confirmation has recently been complicated as signs of hostility toward Holder have increased over the past month. Political operative Karl Rove and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), for example, singled out the longtime Washington lawyer as the candidate who would face bruising questions.

"The attorney general nominee, Mr. Holder, has got serious questions to respond to with regard to his role in the . . . pardons at the end of the Clinton administration and some other matters," McConnell said yesterday. "Beyond that, I don't anticipate trouble for the new president's nominees."

The confirmation process, said Sen. Arlen Specter (Pa.), the judiciary panel's top Republican, will be Holder's "day in court" and a chance to "state his case" -- an awkward position for a man more accustomed to negotiating disputes than engaging in bare-knuckled fights.

more...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/09/AR2009010903787.html?hpid=topnews

[MADem]

1. Come on. Who, really, doesn't know WHAT this is?

This is payback for running "Alberto The Harvard Law Grad And The Worst AG--EVER, Even Including John Mitchell" out of town on a rail.

They have less clout, less energy, less reach, less power... so they're picking their targets...dare I say...judiciously.

[babylonsister]

3. I think it's worse than that. Rove started the

drumbeat to mess with Holder's confirmation; I think he's 'concerned' that Holder might hold him accountable. And he might not be the only one who's having qualms.

[MADem]

6. I suspect they lack the critical mass. Their only hope is to make noise in

the court of public opinion....

[enough]

2. Maybe that should say growing Republican obstructionism.

As a Pennsylvanian, I sometimes think I can't get any more pissed at Arlen Specter than I already am, but he always finds a way to up the ante.

[spanone]

4. i hope the thugs remember what happened in november...

[dkf]

5. I'm not sure I like all these ex-Clintonites heading things anyway.

And lets face it, the Marc Rich pardon was disgusting. Poor Eric Holder is going to have to take responsibility for that.

[thunder rising]

7. Arlen Specter plays the part of decrepit old man ... "GET OFF MY LAWN" ...

Do us a favor and die MF.

[annabanana]

8. ANYONE who Rove and McConnell make a point of targeting

has MY 100% support. There's no surer badge of an honest man.

[Pastiche423]

9. It's all a ruse

Republic should love Chiquita Holder. They just feel the need to bitch.