Jim Matheson becomes first Democrat to back placing Eric Holder in contempt

Jim Matheson becomes first Democrat to back placing Eric Holder in contempt

By Jordy Yager - 06/26/12 06:52 PM ET

Rep. Jim Matheson (Utah) on Tuesday became the first Democrat to declare his support for placing Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress.

"It just compounds the tragedy when both sides play politics instead of releasing the facts. The Terry family, the public and Congress deserve answers," said Matheson, according to The Salt Lake Tribine. "Sadly, it seems that it will take holding the attorney general in contempt to communicate that evasiveness is unacceptable."

Matheson’s announcement comes two days before House Republicans plan to vote on the unprecedented measure before the full chamber, even as President Obama has asserted executive privilege over requested documents at the center of the partisan furor.

The six-term lawmaker, who represents the most heavily Republican district of any incumbent Democrat, was one of 31 Democrats to send a letter to President Obama last year expressing grave concerns over the administration’s handling of the botched gun-tracking operation, "Fast and Furious."

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