“President Trump has every right to be frustrated with how the blue-slip process has been used and, quite frankly, misused in the United States Senate. What was originally intended as a professional courtesy has become a tool for partisan obstruction. We saw that clearly in Michigan in 2019, when my nomination to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Western District was blocked despite overwhelming support across the political spectrum and from every corner of our state.

“What made the episode in Michigan so disappointing is that the people who know our communities best, spoke with one voice in support of my nomination.” The bipartisan coalition included:

• Michigan’s entire Republican congressional delegation,

• Democratic Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan,

• County prosecutors across Michigan, including Genesee County’s David Leyton, a Democrat,

• County sheriffs from both parties statewide,

• Major business organizations, including the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, the Grand Rapids Chamber, the Detroit Regional Chamber, and the Lansing Regional Chamber,

• The Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge of Michigan and the Police Officers Association of Michigan,

• Agriculture and rural leadership, including the Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan Corn Growers, and the Michigan Milk Producers Association,

• Community-based organizations, including the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan, the Chaldean American Chamber & Community Foundation, and the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit.

“It was Mayor Mike Duggan who said it best when he said, ‘(Tom Leonard) possesses the leadership skills, character, and experience necessary to excel in this position and I strongly encourage the Senate to move quickly to confirm him.’

“President Trump is right: the blue-slip process, as it exists today, is too often used to stall well-qualified nominees for reasons that have nothing to do with merit. My experience showed how easily it can be weaponized against consensus picks who have earned trust at home.

“I remain grateful to President Trump for nominating me and the countless leaders who stepped forward to support me. And I agree with the President that reforms are needed so that he can do his job in a fair and prompt manner and with accountability to the American people.”

For a list of supporting organizations and letters, please contact media@tomformichigan.com