Experts can discuss Loretta Lynch's nomination as U.S. attorney general

LAWRENCE —University of Kansas scholars are available to discuss President Barack Obama's nomination of Loretta Lynch to be the next U.S. attorney general.

Lynch is the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn. If confirmed, she would be the first female African-American attorney general in U.S. history. She would replace Eric Holder, who was the first African-American to serve as attorney general. Holder, the longest-serving member of Obama's cabinet, resigned in September.

Patrick Miller, assistant professor of political science, can speak about the significance of Lynch's nomination to replace Holder as attorney general and her chances of winning Senate confirmation. Miller's broad research interests include national politics, race and politics.

"Obviously her nomination is significant because she would be the first black woman to be attorney general and only the second woman and second African-American. Also notably, she is a U.S. Attorney, and those are less often picked for attorney general," Miller said. "But her nomination is significant more for the lack of overt controversy and politics in it. She has been widely regarded as an effective U.S. Attorney with a strong record on crime issues that has received bipartisan praise. President Obama seems unwilling to endure a nomination fight for attorney general at this point. He may not get his wish, though, as several Republican senators have indicated that they may block Lynch's nomination as a tool to press the administration on immigration policy."

Randal Maurice Jelks, professor of American studies and African and African-American studies, is available to speak about the significance of Lynch's nomination following Holder's tenure. Jelks researches black cultural studies and civil rights history.

Jelks said being able to have two black Americans serve as U.S. attorney general would be remarkable, particularly after the first five holders of the office in the nation's history defended the economic institution of slavery. He said Holder put into place key reforms that affected minorities, including limited reforms on mandatory drug sentencing and settlements with large corporate banks.

"Loretta Lynch as a seasoned U.S. Attorney will be able to follow up on some of Holder's successes on drug sentencing and perhaps the banks. Since she will have a limited term — two years — she will have to decide what is in reach," Jelks said. "Nevertheless, she has an impressive track record as a lawyer and a leader of a large bureaucratic agency. I foresee that she will have to deal with the state of Missouri in the aftermath of what the grand jury decides in the Michael Brown case in Ferguson. Additionally, if, as promised, President Obama acts on immigration reform using executive power, her office will be prominent in enforcing that order."

To speak with Miller or Jelks, contact Mike Krings, KU News Service, 785-864-8860, mkrings@ku.edu.