Let's NOT fill the position of US Attorney General. With the available candidates we're better off without one.

[PHILIP SCHNEIDER]

Five Candidates Who Could Replace AG Eric Holder; Two Who Have Said...

By: Scott Wong & Justin Sink (The Hill)

Attorney General Eric Holder’s announcement Thursday that he’s stepping down after six years heading the Justice Department set tongues wagging in Washington about who might succeed him.

President Obama has plenty of past and present insiders to choose from, but could also enlist a high-profile rising star.

The timing of the president’s nomination will play a critical role in the confirmation process. If Obama picks a more controversial nominee, Senate Democrats might try to ram it through in the lame-duck session after the election — particularly if Republicans win the majority in November.

One way that Obama could avoid a confirmation fight would be by picking a nominee from the Senate. Several Democrats, including Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (R.I.), Claire McCaskill (Mo.) and Amy Klobuchar (Minn.), have experience as prosecutors.

However, Whitehouse and another prominent candidate, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D), quickly said they were not interested in succeeding Holder.

“My heart's desire is representing Rhode Island in the Senate, and I have no interest in other positions," Whitehouse told The Hill.

That's a sign that Obama might have trouble finding someone willing to take the tough job, particularly with the White House quickly approaching lame-duck territory.

1.) Don Verrilli

2.) Janet Napolitano

3.) Kamala Harris

4.) Preet Bharara

5.) Tony West