Police Chiefs Urge Senate To Confirm Loretta Lynch As Attorney General

Police Chiefs Urge Senate To Confirm Loretta Lynch
Attorney General nominee Loretta Lynch testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015, before the Senate Judiciary Committee's hearing on her nomination. Lynch defended President Barack Obama's decision to shelter millions of immigrants from deportation though they live in the country illegally but she said they have no right to citizenship under the law. If confirmed, Lynch would become the nation's first black female attorney general. It is the first confirmation proceeding since Republicans took control of the Senate this month. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Attorney General nominee Loretta Lynch testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015, before the Senate Judiciary Committee's hearing on her nomination. Lynch defended President Barack Obama's decision to shelter millions of immigrants from deportation though they live in the country illegally but she said they have no right to citizenship under the law. If confirmed, Lynch would become the nation's first black female attorney general. It is the first confirmation proceeding since Republicans took control of the Senate this month. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama's nominee for attorney general picked up a big endorsement Wednesday as her nomination lingers in the Senate.

The International Association of Chiefs of Police said it is backing Loretta Lynch for the post and praised her "unique perspective on criminal justice issues."

"Her service as both a front line prosecutor and as a U.S. Attorney have ensured that she has a thorough understanding of the crucial role played by state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies," IACP President Richard Beary wrote in a letter to Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee.

"As a result, the IACP believes that, as Attorney General, Ms. Lynch’s background will allow her to foster and enhance the crucial partnership among federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies," Beary writes. "The IACP urges you to confirm Ms. Lynch’s nomination rapidly."

Lynch was scheduled for a committee vote earlier this month, but Grassley postponed it until this week. Sen. Patrick Leahy (Vt.), the ranking Democrat on the committee, has criticized Grassley for slow-walking her nomination and said that Lynch has waited longer for her confirmation vote than any attorney general in modern history.

The IACP endorsement gives Lynch some law enforcement credibility at a time when Republicans have questioned where she might come down on police oversight and programs that would send unused military equipment to local law enforcement.

The IACP endorsed current Attorney General Eric Holder in 2009.

Before You Go

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)

Politicians React to Eric Holder's Resignation

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot