U.S. Attorney General Holder steps down

ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION)

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, an unapologetic liberal voice and one of President Barack Obama's closest allies, announced he is stepping down after a term marked by advances in civil rights and frequent battles with Republicans in Congress.

"I come to this moment with very mixed emotions," Holder said during a formal announcement at the White House Thursday (September 25). "I want to thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity that you gave me to serve and for giving me the greatest honor of my professional life. We have been great colleagues, but the bonds between us are much deeper than that."

Holder, the nation's first black chief prosecutor, will remain in office until a successor is nominated and confirmed, the Justice Department said.

Holder's departure after nearly six years sets up a potentially tense confirmation battle with Republicans in a lame-duck U.S. Senate session scheduled after the Nov. 4 midterm electio