Reaction Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.),
Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee,
On Announcement Of Justice Department Designees
January 5, 2009

 “The experienced picks announced today will fill key leadership posts at the Department of Justice when the United States faces many serious challenges.  I am encouraged by President-elect Obama’s choices of excellent lawyers with deep experience at the Department to help Eric H. Holder Jr, his choice to serve as Attorney General of the United States, right the ship.  They will be a strong team.  I am pleased that President-elect Obama’s pick for the number two spot at the Department, David Ogden, will bring to the job a broad range of knowledge and experience having served in leadership positions at the Department of Justice and at the Department of Defense.  Tom Perrelli, Elena Kagan, and Dawn Johnsen will also bring strong experience and professionalism to the Department.  Just as Senators on both sides of the aisle moved quickly in the last Congress to confirm nominees for the top positions at the Justice Department that were emptied by scandals, the Judiciary Committee will move forward promptly with confirmation proceedings for these nominees, beginning with Mr. Holder’s hearing on January 15.  

“The need to have the new leadership team at the Department up and running without delay could not be greater in light of the Department’s vital missions and the unprecedented politicization that has weakened morale throughout the Department and dealt a blow to the country’s confidence in the nation’s top law enforcement agency.  The new Attorney General, the Department, and the nation will be well-served by this leadership team.”