Republican Sen. Thom Tillis Opposes Nomination of Ed Martin as US Attorney
Republican Senator Thom Tillis announced on Tuesday that he would not support the nomination of Ed Martin as the US attorney for the District of Columbia. Senator Tillis cited concerns about Martin’s handling of the Capitol riot cases on January 6, 2021.
Tillis, who is facing a tough re-election battle in the upcoming midterms, expressed doubts about Martin’s confirmation by the Senate, where Republicans hold a majority. “He seems like a good man, but most of my concerns are related to January 6th,” Tillis told reporters, indicating his opposition to Martin’s nomination.
During a meeting with Martin, Tillis remained unconvinced due to Martin’s past advocacy for supporters of former President Trump who stormed the Capitol building. Martin has faced criticism for his handling of cases related to the disruption of the Electoral College vote count that confirmed Joe Biden’s victory over Trump.
As one of 12 Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Tillis plays a crucial role in the nomination process. The committee has yet to schedule a vote on Martin’s nomination, with a deadline looming for confirmation before judges on the federal district court select a new US attorney.
Concerns have been raised about Martin’s tenure as interim US attorney, where he referred to prosecutors as “President Trumps’ lawyers” and penalized government attorneys working on Capitol riot cases. Martin’s past statements and actions, including a speech on the eve of the riot, have drawn scrutiny from senators like Tillis.
Despite Martin distancing himself from certain individuals involved in the Capitol riot, Tillis emphasized the importance of holding those responsible for the events of January 6th accountable. “What happened on January 6th was wrong,” Tillis stated. “I can’t have any patience for that.”
While acknowledging Martin’s explanation of over-prosecution in some cases, Tillis made it clear that he could not support Martin’s nomination for the District of Columbia. President Trump’s endorsement of Martin has put pressure on Republican lawmakers to confirm his nomination, but Tillis remains firm in his opposition.
Trump’s call for approval of Martin’s nomination has sparked debate among senators, with Tillis standing by his decision to oppose Martin’s confirmation. The Senate’s decision on Martin’s nomination will have implications for the ongoing fallout from the Capitol riot and the future of the US Attorney’s Office in the District of Columbia.
