Loretta Lynch Passes Committee, Senator Steve Daines Explains Opposition

New York Attorney Loretta Lynch came one step closer to becoming the next U.S. Attorney General today, February 26, as she passed through the Senate Judiciary Committee on a narrow 12-10 vote.

Shortly after Lynch passed the committee, Montana Senator Steve Daines issued the following statement explaining why he opposes Lynch for the position:

“Ms. Lynch has an accomplished career as the United States Attorney in the Eastern District of New York and has built a strong and admirable resume," Daines said. "Her capability as a litigator is clear. A strong resume is a necessary but not sufficient qualification for confirmation.

“After carefully considering Ms. Lynch’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, I am not confident, nor do I believe, that she will be an independent voice or nonpartisan leader that will defend the rule of law. I have serious doubts and concerns regarding Ms. Lynch’s ability to maintain the balance of power set out by our Constitution and will instead be malleable when the President seeks to extend and overstep his powers. Due to her statements to the Committee, I do not have faith that Ms. Lynch will uphold the laws of our land and consistently defend our Constitution as our Attorney General.”

It is not clear, but many assume that Daine's statements about the "rule of law" and lynches ability to "uphold the laws of our land," are references to the nation's immigration laws, which many believe conflict with an executive action issued by President Obama on the issue. Lynch has testified that she would support the president's executive order on immigration.