Michigan’s two US senators have effectively blocked President Donald Trump’s pick for US attorney for western Michigan.
Tom Leonard is a Republican who lost a bid in 2018 to be elected Michigan attorney general. President Trump then nominated Leonard to be the US attorney for a district that covers the western half of the state and the Upper Peninsula. That nomination was effectively blocked by US Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters – both Democrats – by using a congressional privilege.
Leonard says he never had the chance to make the case for his appointment.
“It’s just troubling that our politics have gotten that bad here in this state and throughout the country.”
Senator Peters office says the Trump administration waited two and a half years to nominate someone and did not consult with Michigan’s senators before doing so. Trump could still resubmit the nomination.