1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

I am writing as one of your constituents to respectfully urge you to vote against the confirmation of Todd Blanche as Attorney General of the United States. This request is not based on party affiliation. It is based on my belief that the Attorney General's highest duty is to the Constitution, the rule of law, and the American people—not to any President. Throughout our nation's history, Attorneys General have occasionally been required to tell Presidents "no." They must be willing to investigate wrongdoing wherever it exists, defend the independence of the Department of Justice, and ensure that every American is treated equally under the law. I have not seen evidence that Mr. Blanche would fulfill that responsibility. As President Trump's longtime personal attorney, Mr. Blanche has consistently demonstrated extraordinary loyalty to one individual. While loyalty is an admirable quality in a private attorney, it is precisely the wrong standard for the nation's chief law enforcement officer. The Attorney General is not the President's personal lawyer. He or she is the lawyer for the United States. Several issues have reinforced my concern. First, I am troubled by Mr. Blanche's role in negotiating legal agreements that many observers believe provided unusually favorable treatment to President Trump, including provisions relating to tax matters and IRS oversight. Whether or not those decisions were technically lawful, they contribute to the public perception that powerful individuals receive different treatment than ordinary Americans. Second, I am deeply concerned by his handling of matters involving individuals convicted in connection with the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Reports surrounding the proposed "anti-weaponization" fund raised legitimate questions about whether the Department of Justice was placing political loyalty ahead of accountability. Our justice system should never create the appearance that violence against law enforcement officers or attacks on democratic institutions are treated differently because of politics. Third, I remain troubled by the Department's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Americans across the political spectrum have asked for transparency. When information is withheld without a clear and convincing explanation, public confidence in the Department of Justice suffers. Equal justice under the law requires openness whenever possible, especially in matters involving powerful individuals and victims seeking answers. My greatest concern, however, goes beyond any single issue. It is that Mr. Blanche appears to view the Attorney General as an advocate for the President rather than an independent constitutional officer. The Department of Justice belongs to the American people—not to the White House, not to any political party, and certainly not to any one person. Our nation depends on citizens believing that justice is administered fairly and impartially. Once confidence in that principle is lost, it is extraordinarily difficult to restore. I respectfully ask you to oppose Todd Blanche's confirmation and instead support a nominee who will demonstrate unquestioned independence, integrity, and fidelity to the Constitution. Regardless of political affiliation, every American deserves an Attorney General whose loyalty is to the law above all else. Thank you for your service to our state and to our country. I would appreciate learning your position on this nomination and the reasons for your vote.