IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

The GOP's fresh calls for Holder's resignation

Attorney General Eric Holder has been no stranger to criticism in the four years, and controversy surrounding the Justice Department's investigation national se
File Photo: U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill March 6, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Photo by: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
File Photo: U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill March 6, 2013 in Washington, DC.

Attorney General Eric Holder has been no stranger to criticism in the four years, and controversy surrounding the Justice Department's investigation national security leaks to the press has given new life to Republican attacks.

Republican Congressman Peter King of New York joined fellow Republicans like RNC chair Reince Priebus in calling for Holder's resignation.

"If I were Eric Holder, I would resign," he said Monday. "I don’t see how he remains in office, though, very much longer, since he’s lost so much credibility with Congress and the American people."

Democratic Congresswoman Karen Bass joined PoliticsNation Monday to defend Holder. Calling the issue a "diversion," she voiced her confidence in Holder's handling of his duties.

"I think he is enforcing the law of the land. I think he is doing his job. I think he's done a fine job, in spite of all the harassment," she said.

But she also said she could see why Holder might be tempted to step down. "I said to Attorney General Holder 'I really hope you don't resign, but I have to say at this point in time, every couple of months that we drag you before Congress, I could certainly understand if you're getting tired.'"

"I think it just goes to show that they will really go to no length to divert us away from what we really need to be worried about--which is jobs," she said. "That's what's on the American people's minds, not these investigations."

Columnist Joan Walsh said she hears many similarities between the criticism lobbed at Eric Holder and the attacks U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice suffered.

"These attacks on Eric Holder--most of them are substance free--and they're always pushing the envelope to a level of disrespect that's not about his performance," she said.