WASHINGTON DC - With the help of Illinois' Republican U.S. Senator Mark Kirk, Thursday the U.S. Senate confirmed Loretta Lynch to succeed resigning Attorney General Eric Holder in a 56 to 43 vote.
“Chicago gangs challenge the education and safety of every child in their path. Our economic potential will never be fully realized until gangs are eradicated from Chicagoland, so we cannot accept the status quo. I believe Loretta Lynch feels the same way and will be a valuable partner in reversing the reach of gangs in our neighborhoods.”
In early April, Kirk announced his support as the fifth Republican to publicly support Lynch. Nine other Republicans joined Kirk in voting to confirm Lynch: Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.), Kelly Ayotte (N.H.), Thad Cochran (Miss.), Susan Collins (Maine), Jeff Flake (Ariz.), Lindsey Graham (S.C.), Orrin Hatch (Utah), Ron Johnson (Wis.) and Rob Portman (Ohio).
All 46 Democrats back the president's pick. Lynch becomes the first black woman to hold the position.
