Senator Orrin Hatch to back Holder

By GottaLaff

Holder just got a big leg up:

The former Republican chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee will support Eric Holder's nomination for attorney general, giving him a major boost toward confirmation.

Sen. Orrin Hatch (Utah), who chaired the panel for a decade beginning in 1995, told The Hill that he will support Holder.

Mitch McChinless will have his work cut out for him now. I'd say, "chin up", but that would be counterproductive.

His decision could undermine GOP efforts to stall or block the confirmation. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) said Friday that Holder would be the only Cabinet nominee to face a tough confirmation fight.

Hatch said that Republicans should try to strike a cooperative tone with President-elect Obama during the first days of his administration.“I start with the premise that the president deserves the benefit of the doubt. I don’t think politics should be played with the attorney general,” he said.

“I like Barack Obama and want to help him if I can.”

Well shut my mouth and call me Miss Snark! This sounds a little like... unity.

Democrats now hold a 10-9 advantage on the committee. That margin will likely grow to their favor once Senate leaders set new committee ratios.

That was a very good sentence, that last one. I'm Laffy, and I approve that message.