1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing to urgently request that you vote against the confirmation of Todd Blanche as Attorney General of the United States. The role of Attorney General demands an individual of unassailable integrity, a commitment to the rule of law, and complete independence from political influence. Mr. Blanche’s recent actions as Acting Attorney General, combined with severe legal misconduct over his personal and professional practice, render him unfit to lead the Department of Justice (DOJ). I can appreciate that we both agree on Mr. Blanche’s disqualification for this role due to a conflict of interest. Serving directly as Donald Trump's personal criminal defense lawyer in federal and state trials before taking over the leadership of the DOJ shatters the institutional firewall meant to ensure impartial justice. No president in modern history has placed their own criminal defense attorney at the head of the nation's chief law enforcement agency. Despite signing ethics pledges, Mr. Blanche’s tenure as Acting Attorney General has already blurred the lines between the public interest and the President's personal legal protections, effectively treating the DOJ as a private defense firm. Furthermore, Mr. Blanche’s handling of matters related to the January 6 Capitol riots demonstrates a willingness to politicize our justice system. Under his leadership, the DOJ has moved to systematically unwind the legal fallout of a violent attack on our democracy by vacating seditious conspiracy convictions for members of extremist groups. Most alarmingly, Mr. Blanche championed the controversial $1.8 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" and explicitly refused to bar violent rioters who assaulted law enforcement officers from receiving taxpayer compensation. An individual who fails to condemn attacks on our Capitol and our police officers should not head the nation's chief law enforcement agency. Mr. Blanche also faces active legal challenges that directly undermine his personal credibility. He is currently entangled in an ongoing private civil lawsuit in New York alleging legal malpractice and forgery stemming from his private business dealings before entering government. Defending against accusations of forgery while simultaneously serving as the country’s top legal officer creates an unacceptable conflict of interest and diminishes the stature of the office. Another disqualifying factor is the active judicial proceeding in a Florida federal district court investigating whether Mr. Blanche (among others) committed "fraud upon the court." Forgery allegations in private practice are troubling, but an active inquiry into whether a nominee intentionally deceived a federal judge strikes at the very heart of his fitness to lead our justice system. The American public cannot have confidence in a DOJ led by an individual whose personal integrity as an officer of the court is under formal judicial scrutiny. I believe you are true representatives of your California constituents, and while I believe you share my same vote of no to Blanche, I nevertheless find it important enough to echo. Continue to defend the integrity of our legal institutions and stand up for the rule of law—vote NO on Todd Blanche’s nomination. Thank you for your time, your leadership, and your consideration of my views.