For over five and a half years, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has been a political lightning rod in Washington, D.C., winning strong support among Democrats and bitter denunciations from Republicans. So, when news of his resignation hit, the reaction of lawmakers was right along those party lines.
Holder has scrapped repeatedly with GOP lawmakers over Operation Fast and Furious, the investigation of whether the IRS targeted more conservative groups and much more, as Republicans were clearly pleased to hear the news of his departure.
As for Democrats, the news was relayed at a Washington, D.C. gathering of the Congressional Black Caucus by House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi - and it hit like a bomb.
In the background of that clip, you can hear Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) say, "That is so bad...that is so sad." Another Democrat, Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH) can be heard saying, "That is so devastating."
Lewis later issued a statement, saying that Holder's "resignation is a great loss for any American seeking justice in our society," as the Democrat from Georgia labeled Holder a "symbol of fairness, an embodiment of the best in the federal government."
Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) called Holder an "outstanding public servant," adding that President Obama would "miss his counsel."
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