Holder finalized his plans

Obama highlighted Holder’s achievements since winning Senate confirmation in February 2009 by a 75-21 vote. He cited successful prosecutions of convicted terrorists, a crackdown on organized crime, suppression of financial fraud, and efforts to reduce racial disparities in sentencing. Holder himself expressed pride in his efforts to safeguard the "most sacred of American rights," the right to vote. Republicans, in turn, highlighted their clashes with Holder over controversies like the botched Fast and Furious gun-running sting and the IRS targeting of political organizations. GOP anger at Holder led the House of Representatives to hold him in contempt in 2012 over his refusal to turn over documents linked to the Fast and Furious operation. Holder finalized his plans to leave the post in an hourlong conversation with Obama in the residence section of the White House over the Labor Day weekend, two officials said. His plans after stepping down were unclear, though he could be expected to return to the powerful Covington and Burling law firm, where he worked in the years immediately prior to becoming attorney general. Two Justice Department officials said Holder hoped to stay involved in issues raised by the shooting of an unarmed black teenager in Ferguson, Missouri. “He has spoken with friends and associates about his wish to find a way, even after rejoining private life, to continue helping to restore trust between law enforcement and minority communities,” one official said. One aspect of the job Holder is unlikely to miss: Sparring with congressional Republicans. After one unusually contentious face-off in 2013, Holder told lawmakers that he testified before them because he respected Congress' authority — not because he liked them.