Obama accepts resignation of Attorney General Holder

Obama told reporters in an East Room ceremony at the White House on Thursday that accepting Holder's resignation was a "bittersweet moment." After six years on the job, the 63-year-old Holder is one of the longest-serving members of the president's cabinet.

Holder agreed to continue in his position until a successor is confirmed.

"With his typical dedication, Eric has agreed to stay on as Attorney General until I nominate a successor and that successor is confirmed by the Senate," Obama said.

Criticism from right and left

Republican Party leaders, however, took the opportunity of Holder's announced resignation to lay on criticism for scandals relating to the Internal Revenue Service and his handling of a gun-running probe known as "Fast and Furious," among others.

"By needlessly injecting politics into law enforcement, Attorney General Holder's legacy has eroded more confidence in our legal system than any Attorney General before him," said Republic Representative Darrell Issa, who chairs the House oversight panel that often traded blows with Holder.

Holder also faced criticism from many on the left side of the political aisle, particularly for the lack of bank-related prosecutions in the wake of the 2007/08 financial crisis, as well as the prosecution of government whistleblowers and lack of accountability for torture committed during the presidency of George W. Bush.

Long-serving Attorney General

Holder was nominated to the cabinet position during President Barack Obama's first term, and shared with the president the historic significance of being the country's first African American to hold the position.

The Attorney General brought in many years' experience as a lawyer who rose quickly to become a judge at a young age. He later served as a junior public corruption prosecutor at the Justice Department under former President Bill Clinton.

He has been one of the main liberal voices in the Obama administration, championing causes such as same-sex marriage and other civil rights issues. Holder's tenure has also been marked by controversy. Unlike many officials in Washington, Holder was known for speaking his mind, drawing criticism in 2009 for calling the United States a "nation of cowards" regarding the public discussion on civil rights.

dr/jm (AP, Reuters, dpa)