Over at the South Dakota War College, Republicans' heads are exploding like kernels of microwave popcorn over the utterly expected nomination of Brendan Johnson by President Obama as the U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota.

Image of Brendan Johnson

Besides cries of nepotism, there are attacks on Brendan's character and qualifications.

First, it's not nepotism. He's not working for his father, Sen. Tim Johnson. He's working for us and for the US Attorney General and the President.

Second, he has to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Tim has already said he'd recuse himself.

Third, if you were to ask South Dakota lawyers who some of the best younger lawyers were in the state, his name would be at the top of their lists.

Fourth, the U.S. Attorney's Office is more than just criminal prosecutions. It is also the government's lawyer in civil cases, condemnations, and other types of cases. And Brendan has that breadth of experience in criminal and civil matters.

Image via Wikipedia

Fifth, his critics at the War College have obviously never met him. He's bright, personable, level headed, and able to deal effectively with people from all social strata.

And sixth, the idea that the USA is a springboard politically is just plain wrong. It can be a springboard to be a U.S. District Court Judge (see Karen Schreier) but to Senator, Representative, Governor? I don't know of any. Please provide examples in the comments.

This is a tremendous appointment of someone who just happens to be a U.S. Senator's son. Get over it.


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