Patrick Leahy

I wholeheartedly support her nomination and confirmation.

I just mentioned a number of the letters I will submit... is supportive of Loretta Lynch, and Congressman John Lewis.

It is my privilege to recommend Ms. Lynch to you.

Ms. Lynch is an independent lawyer of strong character, balanced demeanor, and obvious abilities.

The key question for voting for a nominee to be Attorney General is independence.

It does not always work this way.

I happen to feel he should not have been prosecuted.

I said it is not the Secretary of Justice, it is the Attorney General of the United States--not for the Republicans, not for the Democrats, but the United States.

I would have to prosecute because that is my job.

Thank you. I would, if there is no objection, reserve the 4 minutes and 46 seconds left in my round of questions.

I think that was a mistake.

Well, let me go into one that takes resources--we have had some people say to actually go get terrorists and lock them up in Guantanamo, even though we know what that has cost the American people, both in respect abroad and in dollars.

You should be respected by all Americans for standing up to gross injustice.

I have tried to support the work of law enforcement to keep our communities safe.

I have been fortunate that my native State of Vermont has allowed me to serve here for four decades.

I am confident that if we stay focused on Ms. Lynch's impeccable qualifications and fierce independence, she is going to be confirmed quickly by the Senate.

I believe we have to protect our national security, but we also have to protect our civil liberties which make us unique as a country.

She is smart, she is tough, she is hard-working and independent.

I am interested in returning that office to its rightful place as the impartial 'crown jewel' of the Justice Department.

How about the Department of Justice honoring, once again, its longstanding duty to vigorously defend our Nation's laws--even when political appointees disagree with the policy?

How about taking care that the law is faithfully executed and not rewriting it?

How about restoring respect for the co-equal branches of Government?

How about restoring faith in the bedrock principles like respect for the rule of law and the fair and evenhanded application of those laws?

The next Attorney General will face some very difficult challenges, from combating cybercrime, to protecting our children from exploitation, to helping fight the war on terror.

It is critical that the Attorney General is someone who understands the law and the Constitution.