Specter Holder Opposition Leaves Him Alone On Island

Eric Holder's nomination as Attorney General gained a bit more steam on Tuesday, as two high-profiled Republicans offered measure of support that carries symbolic importance.

John Danforth, a former Republican Senator, and Asa Hutchinson, a former Republican Congressman, announced their backing of President-elect Barack Obama's A.G. choice on Tuesday. In doing so, they joined a list of other prominent legal officials and conservative figures who have offered their support. On Monday, Sen. Orin Hatch, a Republican member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he intended to back Holder, all but assuring that the nomination would make it out of the committee.

"Eric Holder is no stranger to the Department of Justice. And it is important at this time that you have someone who appreciates the independent role of the Department of Justice," said Hutchinson. "I'm very honored that I can support Eric Holder and I'm pleased to do that."

These remarks from two former GOP luminaries make it all the more peculiar to see Senator Arlen Specter, the ranking Republican on Judiciary, continue to air such strong grievances about Holder's record. But on Tuesday morning, the Pennsylvania Republican did just that, telling MSNBC's Morning Joe:

Mr. Holder was involved in the Marc Rich pardon, which gives at least the appearance -- until answers are provided -- that he was doing the president's bidding without regard to what should have been done. There is a serious question about independent council on the matter involving Vice President Gore on the allegations of illegal campaign contributions from the White House. There's the issue of the FALN terrorists and all of those raise serious questions as to Mr. Holder's independence. And I intend to probe those very thoroughly.

Democrats in the Senate fully expect Holder to receive a wide-range of bipartisan support, both in the Judiciary Committee and when his nomination comes to the Senate floor -- though he seems likely to be put through the ringer during the confirmation proceedings. As such, they speculate that Specter's posturing is more politically motivated than anything else -- either a cue taken from Karl Rove or a way to flex his conservative bonafides in anticipation of a potential primary challenge in 2010.

And on a conference call on Tuesday, the Judiciary Committee chair Sen. Patrick Leahy was asked about just that.

"I think Sen. Specter has always portrayed himself as an independent person and it may be a coincidence that his positions are those of Karl Rove," said the Vermont Democrat. "And I suspect it is coincidence. Senator Specter is a good friend of mine but I totally disagree with him on this ... If he can strongly support Mr. Gonzales, who turned out to be a disaster as Attorney General and was eventually forced out by President Bush, I think he would be very happy to support Eric Holder."

Comments

[VPN]

Senator "smoke screen" bloviating right up till the moment of the vote, will he vote opposite to his opposition ? The suspense has everyone on the edge of their seats, NOT hardly.

[Golfer59]

Hey Specter, wasn't it one of your aide who slipped so BULLS*** into the Patriot Act? And wasn't it YOU Specter who would not swear in the Oil Execs when they came to the hill to be questioned??

[duze]

The Republicans must have been asleep at the wheel to allow this to happen. There is more than enough dirt out there to stop Hillary in her tracks. Why they didn't use it I'll never know. They had more than enough opportunity to close her out. Bill alone was the cherry on top of her denial and no one pushed for it. I guess it's true what everyone says. Bill and Hillary Clinton ARE the Democratic Party.

[C65]

No,they are not the Democratic Party,but at lease there is a party,your party,(GOP) is on life
support and pretty soon will be removed.Don't you people get it-you are not the party of the
people.God,gave people choices for their wrongs,and you are no different,that is why
Democrats are in because they let all in and allow all to pay for their mistakes and sins.
We don't pay for the mistakes of our own children and family members,what makes
Republicans think with all their FAILURES,they can judge others?

[Carolab]

"I think Sen. Specter has always portrayed himself as an independent person and it may be a coincidence that his positions are those of Karl Rove."

Key word: Portrayed. Specter always "acts" like he's being tough. He's about as much as "maverick" as McCain.

[tavote08]

And to think I felt sorry for him while he was dealing with cancer & being shuned by his Rep. counterparts. An election in 2010, is Chris Matthews still interested in running??? I sense change in Pa. air!!!!!

[reliant1]

how humane - to feel sorry (or not) for a ca survivor - based on politics.

just think - there are people who are hoping that you won't be as lucky.

now whine some excuse - instead of admitting your error - just like a repub would.

[Totto]

Specter standing on "principle". What a joke!

[CaptainStormfield]

Does he have a re-election fight coming up? We know thats what matters to a Senator. Screw the public good. I want to keep lining my pockets...

[C65]

That is why,I firmly believe all elected officials should serve one term,(only 4-yrs.)or two,(8yrs.)
just as the President.To much power for to long makes for self interest and greed.And
both leads to LAW BREAKING and LOSS MORALS,doing nothing that benefit the people
they were elected to serve.

[springsm]

We all know that Specter huffs and puffs and capitulates. Personally I would take being frowned upon by his party, the GOPs, as a badge of honor. Specter is a republican and usually he will vote that way,...but he is somewhat moderate and fair. He has however, voted for bush's people even tho he hasn't agreed with them, thinks they are not being forthcoming and knows they are lying..and I speak of the AT Gen. and the supreme ct justices.

[madisonhack]

He has however, voted for bush's people even tho he hasn't agreed with them, thinks they are not being forthcoming

If you believe that - as I do - then why would he vote for them? Perhaps we agree on this, but from your post I just can't tell.

Incidentally, Rove has his own reasons for opposing Eric Holder's confirmation. The color "orange" comes to mind...

[PKSSK]

Funny how he now backs away from his non-favorable view of Specter when today's announcment of possible criminal charges against GOP Scholzman, former DOJ civil rights supervisor, as represented in IG report!

Especially interesting since Holder was the DAG over the civil rights division during Clinton admin. Karma is the light that shines over darkness for all to seel. Looks like Karma has bitten Specter big time on this one and you gotta love it!

[Dwjackson]

I've said it before and I'll say it again: F uckhead Specter is largely responsible for orchestrating Clarence Thomas to the bench. And now this MOFO has a problem with Eric Holder?!?! Eat s hit Arlen and get the f uck out of the f ucking Senate.

[TeeLolly]

Specter's just doing what he always does--garnering as much public attention as he can opposing someone or something, only to cave when it's time to vote. Why anyone takes anything he says at face value is beyond me.

[nomobull]

already caved

[TXfemmom]

The Republicans think they can question the ethics and character of someone else. AMAZING, after seeing the Mr. I DO NOT RECALL before Congress.

[Levittown]

The Marc Rich pardon was very well probed by the Republicans back in 2001. Specter knows that.
He is spinning his wheels and another typical Republican am- Bush- er has been outed. Lets get on with the good government we have been longing for for the past eight years. Just do it.

[GLT21]

PA take specter back.

[the964kid]

Spector has no credibility. He rubber stamped dozens of criminal Bush policies, maybe he's trying to protect his own failed legacy of standing by the most corrupt American administration in modern history. Spector will look like the hack he is during this confirmation process, and, in the end, Holder will be approved as AG.

[edwcorey]

It's "high-profile," not "high-profiled." Are their noses on their foreheads? It's also "independent counsel," not "council." Sheesh. If you can't research your spelling and grammar, it doesn't lend much credence to your facts. Plus, it's annoying to read.

[tifaret]

and you put someone through the "wringer", not "ringer"....