Posted on 02/16/2015 9:06:29 AM PST by jazusamo
President Obama’s pick to serve as the next attorney general is having a hard time finding Republican supporters.
To be confirmed by the Senate, Attorney General nominee Loretta Lynch only needs four Republicans to support her nomination. But it is unclear where those votes will come from.
Sen. Orrin Hatch (Utah) is the only Republican so far who has signaled his intention to vote for Lynch, though several others have spoken favorably about her.
But many Republicans are expressing concerns about Lynch's stance on immigration and what they suggest is a lack of “independence" from the White House. Lynch’s confirmation was pushed back by two weeks Thursday amid “anonymous" objections from some Republicans. But Democrats say they are dragging their feet.
"What we’re trying to do is get an indication from her of the independence that she’s going to have from the White House,” Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) told The Hill.
"I think [Attorney General Eric] Holder is running the Justice Department like a wing of the White House,” he added. "That’s not right, and I want her to show us that she can be independent.”
Holder has had a testy relationship with Republicans at the best of times. The nomination of Lynch was initially seen as a move that had the potential to ease those tensions.
Lynch received a friendly reception from Republicans during her 8-hour confirmation hearing last month. And one GOP-friendly argument in her favor is that her confirmation would bring down the curtain on Holder’s tenure.
"Admittedly, a lot on my side have felt that they would like to get a new attorney general there, because they’re not very happy with the current one,” said Hatch, “and this is one way that can happen. “
Other Republicans such as Grassley and Sen. Jeff Flake (Ariz.) have indicated they are impressed with Lynch’s qualifications as a federal prosecutor, a role in which she enjoyed a reputation for being tough but fair on crime.
Lynch enjoys universal support from Senate Democrats who are urging Republicans to confirm her.
"This woman has as close to a perfect record as I have ever heard,” Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) said.
“I can’t understand why people would vote against her,” said Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.). “Everyone was impressed with her. I heard that from numerous colleagues on the other side."
Still, many Republicans aren’t sold.
Grassley said he pushed the committee vote back to Feb. 26 to give her more time to answer questions. He said the delay is simply his way of being “thorough.”
Republicans are pressing Lynch to disavow President Obama’s executive action lifting the threat of deportation from up to 5 million illegal immigrants.
Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) indicated there may be a “slide in support" for Lynch as Republicans “reevaluate” her nomination in light of her unwillingness to oppose the immigration move.
"I’m not going to vote for her, because I’m not going to vote for the chief law enforcement officer and rubber stamp this policy,” Sessions told The Hill.
"I know there are a considerable number of people that share my views,” he added.
Sens. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and John Cornyn (Texas), the second-ranking Republican in the Senate, have also said they will oppose Lynch’s nomination.
Meanwhile, Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) has expressed strong reservations about Lynch because of her role as the federal prosecutor in a money laundering case.
HSBC paid a hefty fine to settle charges that it funneled more than $200 million for Mexican drug cartels and terrorists, but Vitter said he is disappointed no criminals charges were filed against the bank.
"I don’t think this committee has gotten enough facts,” Vitter said.
Democrats counter, however, that some in the GOP are trying to erect unrealistic hurdles for Lynch.
"Let’s face it: There are some people here that will not vote for her unless she says what they want her to say, that the president committed an illegal act by these executive orders” on immigration, Schumer said.
"Well, that’s for the courts to determine,” he added. "It is not fair to hold her up, because you’re never going to get her to say that answer, if that’s what you’re waiting for."
Better light up the switchboard in Malfunction Junction. The number up there is 202-224-3121.
BUMP
Her stupid canned answers were obviously scripted by Valerie Jarrett. She made Eric Holder look smart, and that is hardto do.
Orrin Hatch wants to be the open hatch on the Titanic.
Senile dementia?
GOP surrenders again....
Yeah you got to vote for those Republicans... They are going to STAND UP to the Administration!
Yeah the drunk, neutered and compromised John Boehner and Chicken Little McConnell REALLY SCARE the Administration.............(not)
Cools?
Cools?
If that repulsicans allow this prejudiced ill-educated quota baby in there, let’s just give up and prepare for the sure to come civil war.
Funny, a close friend black African-American woman who I’ve worked with is an example of a real education and a degree what was earned...PhD in Engineering, not law. She could argue this ignorant **** into a corner without even trying and would make a far far better Attorney General.
After all, Holderdork has proven that integrity and intelligence are not prerequisites.
And his law degree was obviously printed on a Cheerios box. Loretta’s degree is on a Wheaties box.
Waste of time, mc cain, mc Connell and 3 other RINOs will vote for her at the last second, obozo gets what obozo wants.
Worse.
She has already stated in testimony that Fraudulently Documented Foreigners have a right to work in the U.S. which is directly contrary to Federal Law.
Disqualified herself right there.
Unfortunately, Senators like Hatch don’t care. There will be others that have been paid off by the Cheap Labor Express that will confirm her.
Amen to that. Hatch must agree with her that illegal aliens have just as much right to a job here as American citizens.
As McCain goes, so goes Ayotte and Graham.
She is a racist leftist. Criminal Al Sharpton attended her naming ceremony. Enough said.
Hatch and Flake are echoing the Mormon Church official line now on illegals.
The church is having a fair amount of success converting Mexicans and especially Central Americans, so they are pushing to legalize them.
First and Foremost, Hatch and Flake work for the Council of the Twelve.
She is worse than Holder, because she was dumb enough, and DANGEROUS enough to openly advocate the breaking of federal laws. If the GOP approves her, you can 100% write off this faux Republican Party.
ROFLOLLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
Yep, that would explain it. Little doubt they’re putting their religion ahead of country and their oaths as Senators.
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