President-elect Barack Obama today announced a strong slate of nominees to fill critical Department of Justice positions including that of Elena Kagan, Dean of Harvard Law School, as Solicitor General of the United States. People For the American Way President Kathryn Kolbert issued the following statement:

“Americans concerned with justice should be very pleased about today’s nominations, including Elena Kagan to be Solicitor General. Kagan’s legal skills are only matched by her commitment to the Constitutional values at the core of our nation.

“Along with the nomination of Eric Holder, this announcement sends a clear message that the politicization of the Department of Justice is coming to an end. It’s a great relief to know that our laws will again be enforced with honesty and integrity.”

In addition to Kagan, David Ogden was named as Deputy Attorney General, Tom Perrelli as Associate Attorney General, and Dawn Johnsen as Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel.

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