In a tweet-tempest this morning, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) has confirmed he opposes Sen. Jeff Sessions, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to serve as attorney general.
The Attorney General has a sacred obligation to enforce our laws & uphold the constitution.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 12, 2017
The AG must wake up each day ensuring rights of all Americans immigrant, minority, young, old, gay, straight, disabled & not are protected.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 12, 2017
The AG ensures that POTUS & the Admin's policies adhere to American values& ideals & is a check to ensure the President is not above the law
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 12, 2017
I am not confident in Sen Sessions' ability to defend the rights of all Americans, or to serve as indep. check on the next administration.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 12, 2017
As The Hill reports, Sessions has faced backlash over his record on civil rights since his nomination and throughout his Senate confirmation hearings this week.
The Senate in 1986 opposed appointing Sessions to a federal judgeship in part because of disparaging remarks he allegedly made about the NAACP and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). He strongly denied the accusations back then and again this week.
Critics also point to his prosecution of black voting rights activists for voter fraud and other civil rights concerns.
Schumer's dissent is not entirely surprising and will likely not be the last.