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Holder AG confirmation hearings to begin early January: Leahy

By Bernard Hibbitts (editor) and University of Pittsburgh School of Law students.

[JURIST] US Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) on Monday told reporters that confirmation hearings for Attorney General nominee Eric Holder would begin in January, as soon as the Senate reconvenes. Leahy, who heads the Senate Judiciary Committee, met privately with Holder on Monday. Leahy hopes for a confirmation vote as soon as President-elect Barack Obama is inaugurated on January 20. Leahy said: will have a mandate to rebuild morale and public confidence in the Justice Department. That has to be his top priority. And Eric Holder's extensive experience and knowledge of the Department will serve him well as he restores confidence to a great Justice Department. I will consult with our ranking republican then schedule his confirmation hearings promptly.Leahy then escorted Holder to a three-day meeting with Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA), the committee's ranking republican. Obama officially announced his nomination of Holder last week. Holder served as Deputy US Attorney General during the Clinton administration. Republicans have criticized Holder for his role in the 2001 pardon of fugitive financier Marc Rich. If confirmed by the Senate, Holder would be the first African-American to lead the Justice Department.

Full post as published by JURIST - The Paper Chase on December 09, 2008 (boomark / email).