President Obama praises Lynch as tough, fair, independent

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama says his attorney general nominee Loretta Lynch has a fierce commitment to equal justice and a solid record as a tough, fair federal prosecutor.

Obama said at a White House ceremony Saturday that it's "pretty hard to be more qualified" for the job of attorney general than Lynch.

The 55-year-old Lynch would be the first African-American woman to serve as attorney general. She is currently the top federal prosecutor in Brooklyn, New York.

Outgoing Attorney General Eric Holder also was at Saturday's announcement. Holder was the first black head of the Justice Department.