Here is this morning's panel. Mukasey is speaking first.pic.twitter.com/rSOlMdg1G2
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Canterbury discusses Sessions' "leadership" on support for asset forfeiture programs.
ACLU's David Cole: We believe Sen. Sessions' record raises serious questions" on whether he would be an AG for "all people."
Cole, noting ACLU rarely testifies in such hearings, says he's doing so here b/c of Sessions' actions as a prosecutor & record as a senator.
On voting rights, Cole says Sessions called Shelby County decision "a good day for the South." Also: He has called Islam a "toxic ideology."
Cole says Sessions past racist comments and ethical issues would lead senators to question whether he should be an intern.
Larry Thompson, former deputy AG in George W. Bush administration, is up now. On Sessions, he'll "vigorously" and fairly enforce the laws.
Thompson: Trad'l role of federal law enforcement will maintain its independence under Sessions. Sessions will help law enf keep ppl safe.
Larry Thompson talking with Sen. Orrin Hatch before today's hearing.pic.twitter.com/x8lKluBQvG
Mukasey says he has no doubt Sessions will provide leadership for the Justice Dep't that is independent from the White House.
"He'll be able to serve us well," FOP head Canterbury says of Sessions.
Kirsanow: Indictment in voting fraud case Sessions is criticized over shows it was two divergent groups of Dems that led to investigation.
Hatch: Can an AG enforce laws that he personally opposes? Mukasey: Yes. [This was not the most probing question of the day.]
Durbin asking Mukasey about Russia allegations and what happens if you get a call from the White House?
Mukasey: "The Department will pursue its agenda as already set." Durbin: AG is independent? Mukasey: "Yes."
As to the FBI, Mukasey says, "The FBI director works with the Attorney General."
Durbin: If there is an investigation under way, Sessions could stop it? Mukasey: "Yes."
Cornyn basically says Sessions has had so many votes & senators have served w/ him so long, but folks are focusing on so few things.
Cornyn asks Canterbury about law enforcement dealing w mental health issues. Canterbury: State/local $$$ for mental health has diminished.
Canterbury: Law enforcement as the first line against addressing mental health is tough. "We'll never have the training" necessary for this.
"Torture is not an American value," the first protester of the day at the Sessions hearing says.pic.twitter.com/yOJ1V4pguB
Franken asks if ~anyone~ on the panel has evidence of millions of fraudulently case votes in this election. Silence from the panel.
Graham's counter to Franken's question, asks panelists to speak up if there are NO fraudulent votes cast. No one speaks up at first.
Brooks then speaks up, saying there are so few cases of voter fraud that it is basically zero.
Graham questions why GOP gets bad NAACP scores, while Dems get good scores. Graham says it's odd, adds, "It speaks for itself."
"Maybe we're all wrong, you're all right," Graham adds, but says that he doesn't think so.
Brooks, re: Sessions & voting suppression. "We have no way to be confident ... that he would do all that is necessary" to protect the vote.
Cole says Sessions has shown "a failure to recognize discrimination."
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