Cornyn to oppose Lynch for AG

Sen. John Cornyn (Texas), the No. 2 Republican in the Senate, said Wednesday that he will oppose the nomination of Loretta Lynch to be attorney general. 

{mosads}He cited Lynch’s testimony in defense of President Obama’s executive actions to shield some people in the country illegally from deportation.

“I will oppose that nomination,” Cornyn said on a call with Texas reporters, the Dallas Morning News reports.

“While she has an impressive record as a United States attorney, as you know she will become the chief advocate for the president’s policies as attorney general,” he continued. “And her testimony, expressing support for the president’s unconstitutional executive action and her support for a number of the president’s other policies, make it impossible for me to vote for her nomination.” 

However, Cornyn expressed opposition to a proposal from Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) to block a vote on Lynch’s nomination as part of the fight against the immigration executive actions. 

“I don’t think they should be coupled together, no,” Cornyn said of the nomination and the push to roll back executive actions.

Lynch has already picked up the support of some Republicans, including Sens. Orrin Hatch (Utah) and Jeff Flake (Ariz.).

Lynch, currently U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, avoided any major mistakes at a hearing last week, likely easing her path towards confirmation.