WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Loretta Lynch is due to replace Eric Holder as attorney general, but her confirmation vote has been delayed until March.
It's no secret that Republicans are not fond of Holder, so why are the right-wing conservatives still holding on to him?
Lynch needs at least four votes from Republican senators to become Holder's official replacement, but it appears they are still on the fence with Lynch when it comes to certain critical issues such as immigration. Republicans want for Lynch to disapprove Obama's executive action on immigration -- currently one of the hottest debates in Washington.
Holder said in a National Press Club speech he doesn't understand why the transition is taking so long. He expressed surprise that Republicans aren't in a hurry to see him out of office, adding that "logic's never necessarily a guide up there."
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Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, posted on Twitter on Tuesday that Lynch would be a worse choice for the position that Holder.
"The Senate must not confirm Loretta Lynch 4 AG. Even Eric Holder is better. Lynch is in contempt of the Constitution," he said.
The Hill reported Tuesday that Republicans are also concerned with Lynch's attachment to the White House and want her to demonstrate "that she can be independent."
"What we're trying to do is get an indication from her of the independence that she's going to have from the White House," Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, told The Hill, adding that he thought Holder is "running the Justice Department like a wing of the White House."
Republicans such as Grassley and Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona support Lynch's nomination and noted her impeccable accomplishments as federal prosecutor, a role that solidified Lynch's tough but fair reputation in court.
Lynch has gained universal support from Democrats, who are urging Republicans to stop stalling the hearings.
"I can't understand why people would vote against her," said Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y. "Everyone was impressed with her. I heard that from numerous colleagues on the other side."
