ACLJ Chief Counsel on the Attorney General Nomination

As some in the media and blogosphere have reported, it appears Eric Holder will be the nominee to serve as the next Attorney General of the United States. 

I have litigated a number of cases in Washington, DC when Eric Holder was a Deputy Attorney General and a U.S. Attorney General.  While there is no doubt that Mr. Holder is a competent lawyer, I question this nomination.  Much has already been made of the pardon that was given to Marc Rich under Eric Holders watch.  What is not getting as much attention is the fact that Mr. Holder was involved in the pardon of sixteen FALN members.  These individuals were convicted terrorists who even through the process of seeking a pardon never expressed any remorse for their actions.  Despite this lack of remorse, Eric Holder recommended clemency for all sixteen individuals.  In light of our ongoing war against terror and the increasing role that the office of Attorney General plays in the war, it is critical that President-elect Obama nominate an individual that has the background and experience to deal with these complex issues.  The pardons raise a significant area of concern for us at the American Center for Law and Justice.  There is also a report circulating regarding additional pardons of two members of the weather underground.  This is the organization that was founded by William Ayers.  I will continue to follow the details of this nomination, but for now you can read my background review of Mr. Holder.