Clinton administration FBI director Louis Freeh sent a letter to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary offering his “strong recommendation” for Sen. Jeff Sessions as attorney general.
“I have known Jeff since 1989 when we worked together as prosecutors on one of the most important civil rights cases investigated and prosecuted by the United States Department of Justice,” Freeh wrote in a letter obtained by ABC News. “[I] have always been greatly impressed with his commitment to the rule of law, his fair and balanced prosecutorial judgment, and his personal dedication to protecting civil rights.”
Freeh led the FBI from 1993-2001. During that period, Sessions served as U.S. attorney for the southern district of Alabama, and later state attorney general. The former director is now an attorney in private practice.
His letter made particular note of Sessions’ prosecution of Walter Moody, who murdered several prominent civil rights jurists by mailing bombs to their homes and offices. Moody was convicted and is currently on death row. (VIDEO: Biden Says Senate Should Give Jeff Sessions A Chance)
“I was struck with Jeff’s fierce determination to solve these civil rights murders, which so gravely impacted the rule of law and the guarantee of civil rights in America,” Freeh wrote. “Jeff and his office were key decision-makers in formulating and implementing the investigative strategy which ultimately led to the arrest and conviction of Walter Moody for these murders.”
Though Sessions is likely to be confirmed, Senate Democrats have indicated he should expect a bruising confirmation battle. Since the appointment was announced by President-elect Donald Trump, Democrats criticized Sessions for an alleged recalcitrance to bring civil rights cases on behalf of aggrieved minorities during his tenure as U.S. attorney. They have also raised concerns over racist remarks Sessions purportedly made in private. Sessions vigorously contests both allegations.
An outside conservative group called the Judicial Crisis Network has recently launched a media blitz backed by a six-figure ad buy in Washington, D.C, in support of his nomination.
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