Attorney General Eric Peterson announced his resignation Thursday . Holder is a close ally of President Obama . Early elections could complicate the nomination and confirmation process . While Attorney General Eric Holder had made clear that he wanted to leave the post before the end of Obama 's second term , the announcement of his departure just before midterm elections took many by surprise and the timing could complicate the effort to replace him . White House officials say they 're confident whoever is chosen will have bipartisan support .
Attorney General Eric Peterson announced his resignation Thursday . Holder is a close ally of President Obama . Early elections could complicate the nomination and confirmation process . White House officials say they 're confident whoever is chosen will have bipartisan support .