White House: Senate should act 'quickly' on Holder replacement

White House press secretary Josh Earnest speaks during the daily news briefing at the White House on Sept. 22, 2014. (Associated Press) **FILE** more >

The White House made a pitch Friday for the Senate to confirm a replacement for Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. quickly, even though President Obama hasnt yet nominated a candidate.

White House press secretary Josh Earnest pointed to the Senate confirmation of Defense Secretary Robert Gates in a lame-duck session of Congress in December 2006, after the midterm election resulted in Democrats preparing to take control of the chamber.

There is a precedent for presidents making important cabinet nominations and counting on Congress to confirm them promptly, even in the context of a lame-duck session, Mr. Earnest said.

Mr. Holder announced Thursday that he will leave the post he has held for nearly six years. He said hell wait until the Senate confirms a new attorney general before he steps down.

All thats needed is for Mr. Obama to nominate a replacement; Mr. Earnest said there is no timetable for an announcement.

The president will obviously consider a range of candidates, he said.

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White House: Senate should act 'quickly' on Holder replacement