Governor Deval Patrick at the Massachusetts State House. PHOTO BY COURTNEY SACCO/METRO
Could U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder’s resignation have local implications?
Speculation is rampant that Gov. Deval Patrick could be among the frontrunners to succeed Holder, who is stepping down after six years as AG.
Multiple national outlets, including NBC News and USA Today are reporting the governor, who is not seeking re-election and is reportedly close with President Barack Obama, would be on the shortlist for the post. Patrick is headed to Washington D.C. this afternoon.
(UPDATE, 3 p.m.) Multiple outlets, including the Associated Press and State House News Service are reporting that Patrick said today he is not interested in the AG post right now.
Holder, who has served as AG for six years, has said he would continue to serve in that role until a replacement was nominated and confirmed. News of his resignation leaked today.
The AG acts as head of the U.S. Department of Justice and is the chief law enforcement officer of the federal government.
Patrick’s press office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
