“It is no secret that I believe that Attorney General Eric Holder has presided over the most polarizing and politicized Department of Justice in modern history. He has consistently been among President Obama’s most loyal lieutenants as he worked to enact his administration’s liberal agenda from day one. A change in leadership was well overdue.

After Attorney General Holder announced his resignation, I hoped the president would select a truly independent leader that would work for the American people and could begin to restore faith in the Department of Justice and its vital mission. When the president nominated Eastern District of New York U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch, I held out hope that he found that person.

Ms. Lynch has demonstrated tremendous intellect, a willingness to be a strong federal prosecutor and a proven record of commitment to public service, but her confirmation to be our nation’s top law enforcement officer does not exist in a vacuum.  Her views on the important issues facing our nation, like immigration, the Affordable Care Act, and how to best protect our homeland, mattered greatly and weighed heavily on my decision.  

At the end of the day, Ms. Lynch demonstrated that she will not be the independent voice that our country needs at the Department of Justice, and therefore I cannot support her confirmation to become the next Attorney General.”

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