Branch is elected the Manhattan District Attorney in 2002 , replacing Nora Lewin ( Dianne Wiest ) . He says that he was elected DA because the people of Manhattan wanted to feel safe after the September 11 attacks . He and Abbie Carmichael are the only characters in the show known to be Republicans . Branch 's administration is a sharp contrast to that of Lewin , as he supports the death penalty and does not believe in the existence of a Constitutional right to privacy . He had written a book on the justice system and represented the Chinese government when he worked in private practice
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Arthur Branch