Eric Holder, President-elect Barack Obama's choice for attorney general, will earn $4.6 million from his law firm this year and next, including deferred compensation and a separation payment.
In a financial statement provided to the Senate Judiciary Committee and made public Wednesday, Holder said he will earn $2.1 million in partnership compensation this year from the law firm of Covington & Burling. He will receive another $2.5 million next year in deferred compensation, partnership earnings for work performed this year and a separation payment.
Holder's total assets are $5.7 million. He listed no liabilities.
He has $1.4 million in cash and in banks, $1.9 million in real estate and $1.3 million in pension-and-retirement savings plans.
Holder may be Obama's most controversial Cabinet nominee because of his actions as deputy attorney general under President Bill Clinton, particularly his role in the pardon of fugitive financier Marc Rich.
Judiciary Committee Republicans are seeking a large amount of information from the Justice Department and Clinton's presidential library, a sign that the confirmation hearing beginning Jan. 15 will be contentious and have political overtones.
