Harris Quashes Speculation Over Her Possible Interest In Replacing U.S. Attorney General Holder
SACRAMENTO (KCBS) – The wheels are already turning in political circles about possible replacements for U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, and one prominent name that continues to come up is California Attorney General Kamala Harris.
President Barack Obama accepted Holder's resignation Thursday after six years on the job. The fourth-longest-serving attorney general in U.S. history, Holder said he won't leave office until a successor is confirmed.
Harris said her plans are to continue in her current position. "I am honored to even be mentioned, but intend to continue my work for the people of California as Attorney General," Harris said in a statement Thursday. "I am focused on key public safety issues including transnational gangs, truancy and recidivism."
KCBS Political Analyst Marc Sandalow said he doubts the speculation will end with just this short statement.
"That's a nice statement, saying that it's an honor but she has no intention of doing that. Listening to politicians for many years, that is certainly not the refusal to accept the job," said Sandalow. "If the President of the United States were to call and say, Kamala, we need you, there's nothing in that statement that would stop her from doing it."
Sandalow said Harris is not the only prominent name as a possible replacement. Solicitor General Donald Verrilli has been mentioned as a top candidate and Sandalow said he might be the easiest to confirm. Former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick have also been mentioned, along with several administration officials.