People For the American Way President Michael B. Keegan issued the following statement:

“For months now, Senate Republicans have been blocking the confirmation of President Obama’s nominees to key positions in the federal government. Dawn Johnsen, the President’s eminently qualified nominee to head the Office of Legal Counsel in the Justice Department, has been waiting longer than almost anyone else-nearly eight months!

“But they can’t play politics with justice forever. People are getting fed up with the constant obstruction. The logjam will be broken soon, and it couldn’t happen quickly enough.

“Dawn Johnsen enjoys the support of former OLC heads from Republican and Democratic administrations. Republican Senator Richard Lugar, her home state Senator, has endorsed her. She served with distinction as acting head of OLC during the Clinton administration. Legal scholars and current and former colleagues have attested to her legal acumen and integrity.

“Simply put, Dawn Johnsen is anything but a controversial nominee. But she and other highly qualified nominees are being held hostage in a game of petty politics. Americans want the best possible people in charge of government, and it’s time for Senate Republican leaders to call off their blockade.”

###

Take Action!

• You can sign People For’s petition supporting Dawn Johnsen here.