Blue Spot

ABC News: Clinton-Era Figure a Top Contender For AG

Washington lawyer Eric Holder has emerged as the top contender for the attorney general post in Barack Obama's administration, and key Senate staff members are fielding questions about how a potential Holder confirmation hearing could play out, ABC News has learned.

Holder, 57, would be the first African-American attorney general if nominated by Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. President-elect Obama has made it clear that Holder is his choice to run the Justice Department, transition team officials say, and staff members are reviewing Holder's background before he receives an official offer.

He served as the first black deputy attorney general, working under then-Attorney General Janet Reno during the Clinton administration.

While at the Justice Department, Holder was viewed as a centrist on most law enforcement issues, though he has sharply criticized the secrecy and the expansive views of executive power advanced by the Bush Justice Department.

But Holder could face some obstacles because of a controversial Clinton pardon and the Elian Gonzalez saga.

Labels: Justice Dept, Obama administration, President-elect Obama