Eric H. Holder confirmed as Attorney General

President Barack Obama's pick for attorney general, Eric H. Holder Jr., was confirmed by the Senate by a 75 to 21 vote.

Holder becomes the nation's first African American attorney general . He was confirmed by more yes votes than the last four attorneys generals.

The confirmation of Eric H. Holder Jr. opens a new chapter for the embattled Justice Department. (Evan Vucci - AP)

Times Online

Holder Confirmed As the First Black Attorney General
Washington Post - 4 hours ago
By Carrie Johnson The Senate confirmed Eric H. Holder Jr. as the nation's first African American attorney general by a vote of 75 to 21 yesterday, opening a new chapter for a Justice Department that had suffered under allegations of improper political ...
Video: Senate Votes to Confirm Holder As AG AssociatedPress



Queens prosecutor Eric Holder becomes first African-American ... New York Daily News

Eric Holder set for Attorney General post

News agencies are reporting that President-elect Barack Obama has informed Eric H. Holder Jr. that he will likely be selected as Attorney General, although the final decision has not been made yet.

When confirmed, Holder will become the first African American to hold this Cabinet position. He was appointed the first African American deputy attorney general during the Clinton administration.

Reports also indicate that Obama will choose Peter R. Orszag as director of the Congressional Budget Office, and Jacob Lew, Clinton's budge director, as director of the National Economic Council.

So far, it looks like Obama will bring back many of Clinton's old team for their experience in Washington in handling key positions. Many of Obama's Chicago and Senate associates are taking adviser staff positions up to this point.

BBC News

Holder Seen as Pick for Justice Post as Obama Begins to Settle on Team
New York Times - 59 minutes ago
By ERIC LICHTBLAU and JOHN M. BRODER WASHINGTON - President-elect Barack Obama’s transition team has signaled to Eric H. Holder Jr.

Barack Obama wants to pick Eric Holder Jr. as attorney generalChicago Tribune