Conservatives are growing concerned about the names being floated to replace departing White House counsel Don McGahn, The Hill is reporting.
McGahn has had a major impact in helping President Donald Trump pick conservative judicial nominees, the website noted.
But Emmet Flood and Pat Cipollone – two names mentioned as possible replacements – appear more geared to helping Trump deal with special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation than aiding him in his selection of conservatives to the federal judiciary.
According to The Hill, one former Senate GOP aide said conservatives have already pushed back on Flood, a member of Trump's legal team. Flood is known as a defense and impeachment specialist. His commitment to conservative legal principles is not well-known, The Hill said.
And Cipollone is a veteran litigator, who has advised Trump's legal team regarding Mueller. The Hill noted his commitment to finding conservative judges also remains unclear.
John Malcolm, the director of the Meese Center for Legal & Judicial Studies, said McGahn "focused like a laser on appointing constitutionalist, textualist-oriented judges. I can only hope his successor does the same."
Following the announcement McGahn would be stepping down, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said it was a "big loss for the Trump administration and the country."
"Don's significance to the judiciary, the White House and the nation cannot be overstated, and I look forward to his continued efforts on behalf of our country."
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