Posted on 03/12/2009 10:10:45 PM PDT by malkee
Dear (redacted):
Thank you for contacting my office concerning the confirmation of Eric H. Holder. I appreciate your interest in this important matter and your opinion.
The confirmation of an Attorney General is one of my most important responsibilities as a United States Senator. Next to the President, there is no federal official more important than the Attorney General to ensuring that the rule of law is enforced. Attorneys General are trusted with incredible responsibility and, in our justice system, they often have the final say on critical legal issues. As a result, I take the Senate's constitutional role in the confirmation process very seriously. I examine each and every nominee thoroughly and make an independent judgment as to whether he or she is qualified to assume the position of Attorney General. I conduct the same thorough review regardless of the political party of the President who nominates these candidates for confirmation.
A critical component of the confirmation process is the Senate hearing, where Senators are provided an opportunity to question the nominees and determine their fitness for the positions to which they are nominated. Prior to Mr. Holder's hearing, several concerns had been raised about his role in the Clinton Administration and, as a result, he needed to answer some tough questions. I think it was important that Mr. Holder was willing to admit candidly his mistake on the Marc Rich pardon. It also was important for him to explain why he recommended releasing 16 FALN terrorists from jail and why he did not believe appointment of an independent counsel to investigate Vice President Gore was warranted. While I still had some concerns about these issues, my concerns were ameliorated by the recommendations of several key individuals who also were critical of Mr. Holder on these matters but still firmly supported his nomination to be Attorney General, individuals such as former FBI Director Louis Freeh and former Deputy Attorney General James Comey. Director Freeh called the Rich pardon a "corrupt act," but explained that the corrupt act was not Mr. Holder's. Director Freeh also strongly disagreed with Mr. Holder's decision to recommend the release of the FALN terrorists and not to appoint an independent counsel; however, Director Freeh still endorsed Mr. Holder's nomination. At his hearing, Director Freeh said Mr. Holder had "tremendous integrity," "great character," and "good judgment."
Given these recommendations, I believe Mr. Holder deserves the benefit of the doubt. I voted in favor of Mr. Holder's nomination based on these strong recommendations, his lengthy record of public service, and my desire to allow the President to put his team into place. President Obama is facing enormous problems, and to the extent there can be cooperation consistent with my responsibilities and the Senate's role in our system of checks and balances, I intend to cooperate with President Obama. In addition, given the importance of the Justice Department's mission, I will continue working to ensure that its leadership positions are filled in a fair but timely manner.
Thank you again for writing regarding the confirmation of the Attorney General. The concerns of my constituents are of great importance to me, and I rely on you and other Pennsylvanians to inform me of your views. Should you have any questions on this issue or any other issue, please do not hesitate to contact my office or visit my website at http://specter.senate.gov.
Sincerely,
Arlen Specter
ping
Well...at least was “concerned”.....i hate speak like that...so wimpy.
ooops..at least HE was concerned.
I guess if you are candid these days, you can get away with anything.
16 FALN terrorists from jail “good judgment.” ?
Well ... see ... I have good judgement, but a couple of other guys said that maybe I didn’t ... so I listened to them, and agreed to do what they told me to do.
This should have been titled: “Specter Goes Down on Eric Holder”
yeah, and he probably consulted Scottish Law before deciding that Eric Holder was ethical enough to be the AG.
Interpretation: "Thank you for your concern, but I'll do what I damn well please."
Go off and die somewhere Spincter.
The concerns of my constituents are of great importance to me,...
Specter to constituents: DROP DEAD!
In other words, I don’t give a rat’s behind what you people out there think, I’ll do as I please.
Unfortunately, that is the prevailing attitude in Versailles on the Potomac. The roalty doesn’t have to listen to the people because.. they don’t have to! THEY are the rulers; WE are the serfs.
Two hundred and thirty-four years ago, a small group of patriots risked all to rid us of tyranny and royalty. Eoday, their efforts were in vain. Once again, we are ruled by tyranny and royalty.
Two words: Brain Damage
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