04.23.15

Murkowski Votes Against AG Nominee Loretta Lynch

Senator: Alaskans Need to See a Culture Change at Justice Department

Senator Lisa Murkowski today voted against advancing the nomination of Attorney General candidate Loretta Lynch, and detailed her reasoning for Alaskans afterwards:

“I voted against advancing Loretta Lynch’s nomination through the cloture vote this morning, and I will oppose it in the final vote this afternoon.

“When considering a nominee for Attorney General I'm looking for someone who will champion our civil liberties against government infringement, vigorously defend the Second Amendment rights of citizens, and demonstrate a genuine interest in the public safety challenges that face our rural communities. I’m also looking for someone who is prepared to serve as a firewall against executive overreach, not an apologist for the President's prerogatives. Eric Holder disappointed me on all of these counts.

“We need better in the next Attorney General.

“Loretta Lynch may be a very capable prosecutor, but I am not confident that she has the independence necessary to stand up to the President and change the culture of the Justice Department for the better.”

Loretta Lynch’s candidacy was advanced through the cloture vote, 66-34, and a final vote will be held later today.