Senator Leahy willing to take on Republicans over Obama’s nominee for Attorney General

Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced his support for Obama’s Attorney General nominee Eric Holder.The Senator was joined, at his press conference, by heads of numerous law enforcement agencies.

“He has experience in law enforcement. He has a record of strong, independent, and effective action. He’s been an anti corruption prosecutor, he’s prosecuted both Republicans and Democrats alike. He has experience in the Justice Department,” said Leahy.

In recent weeks, Obama’s nominee has garnered criticism from a number of conservatives. Former Bush adviser Karl Rove accused Holder of being involved with Clinton’s pardon of controversial financier Marc Rich in an early December episode of “The Today Show”. Senator Arlen Specter (R-Pa.), Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee, also challenged Holder’s character, insinuating that the former Deputy Attorney General had an inability to say ‘no’ to a President.

Leahy dismissed the Republican attacks and brought up the confirmation of former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

“Whatever standard they used to justify their decision to support Former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales…the nomination of Eric Holder far, far exceeds that standard,” stated Leahy.

“Every Senator has the right to vote for an against any nominee, but I guarantee you this: Eric Holder will be confirmed as Attorney General of the United States.”