Fast And Furious, Eric Holder Contempt Vote Spark Outpouring Of Political Reaction (PHOTOS)

President Barack Obama pulled a surprising move Wednesday morning when he asserted executive privilege for the first time in response to requests made by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, to release documents for an investigation into the Justice Department's Operation Fast and Furious gun-running program.

The House committee voted to hold Holder in contempt of Congress by a 23-17 vote, but not before unleashing some criticism on Obama.

"Our purpose has never been to hold the attorney general in contempt," Issa said in reaction to Obama's use of executive privilege. "Our purpose has always been to get the information the committee needs to complete its work -- that it is not only entitled to, but obligated to do."

Below, a slideshow of other politicians' reactions to Obama's use of executive privilege: