NC native nominated to replace Eric Holder as attorney general

Loretta Lynch, 55, originally from Greensboro, would be the first African-American woman to serve in the role. She would replace outgoing Attorney General Eric Holder, who also was at Saturday's announcement and was the first black head of the Justice Department.

Obama argued at a White House ceremony that it's "pretty hard to be more qualified" for the job of attorney general than the Brooklyn federal prosecutor.

"Loretta might be the only lawyer in America who battles mobsters and drug lords and terrorists, and still has the reputation for being a charming people person," Obama said to laughter from those who packed the Roosevelt Room for the announcement.

Lynch said she was humbled and thrilled at the prospect of leading "the only Cabinet department named for an ideal."

"If I have the honor of being confirmed by the Senate, I will wake up every morning with the protection of the American people my first thought," she said. "And I will work every day to safeguard our citizens, our liberties, our rights, and this great nation which has given so much to me and my family."

Political science professor David McLennan said Lynch's track record is her strongest asset.

"She is a very successful person in her own right," he said. "Even if she never becomes attorney general she is a well thought of prosecutor."

Republicans have promised tough scrutiny of Obama's pick after years of battles with Holder, who is close to Lynch and appointed her as chair of a committee that advises him on policy. Holder has been an unflinching champion of civil rights in enforcing the nation's laws and his successor will be left to grapple with several prominent civil rights issues that have been elevated on his watch.

White House officials said they are leaving it up to Senate leaders to work out the timeline for her confirmation, with Obama calling for approval "without delay." But with Democrats facing a long list of priorities before year's end brings a shift to Republican control, it's likely she won't get a vote until next year.

Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy, a Democrat and the outgoing chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he will consult about scheduling confirmation hearings with Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, the Republican who will take over in January. "She will appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee in a public hearing after we have had time to review her record," he said in a statement.

Lynch was chosen in large part because the White House sees her as likely to win approval from the Senate after Republicans won the majority in Tuesday's midterm election. Grassley's office said Obama called him Friday night to tell him Lynch would be the nominee and the White House followed up to schedule a time for Grassley to speak with Lynch.

Lynch is the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, which covers Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Long Island, a position she also held under President Bill Clinton.

"Loretta doesn't look to make headlines, she looks to make a difference," Obama said, offering an explanation why she's largely unknown in Washington outside legal circles. "She's not about splash, she is about substance."