Keep Polite

Even in today’s era of partisan toxicity, there are times when circumstances demand political considerations take a back seat to practicality and what is right.

U.S. Attorney Kevin Polite was appointed by President Barack Obama following embarrassing and unfortunate social media gaffes by key members of his predecessor’s staff. Polite’s turn in the U.S. Attorney’s driver seat – understandably – was watched carefully. He was, after all, replacing a top federal prosecutor who had won respect and admiration from many. Jim Letten’s longevity in the role of U.S. Attorney, which spanned Republican and Democratic administrations, was testament to his abilities and record. His was a tough act to follow.

But Polite, a New Orleans native, was easily up to the ask.

He has made clear through his actions and the dedication of his staff that the Eastern District of New Orleans had lucked out. Polite has shown no favor politically or socially. He has emphasized repeatedly his willingness and desire to root out corruption in public service. Polite has also time and again supervised prosecution of major drug dealers, giving his staff a green light to bring difficult cases that took drugs and dangerous people off the streets.

As a son of the New Orleans 9th Ward, Polite has given strong indications in interviews and during addresses at schools and civic functions that the street-level battle for lives and safety is one he takes seriously and is keenly aware of. He has made clear that he has no desire for federal law enforcement to shy away from aggressive prosecution of vicious gang members when warranted. The son of a police officer, he has earned the respect and trust of law enforcement during his tenure. And cooperation with law enforcement is key to the smooth functioning of a federal prosecutor’s office.

Now that the people of this nation have chosen a new chief executive who ran on the Republican ticket, it would be customary for a sitting U.S. Attorney to tender his resignation, allowing the administration to choose its own top prosecutor for the New Orleans area, which includes the Bayou Region.

Already, political tongues are wagging. The wife of outgoing Sen. David Vitter is among the potential U.S. Attorney candidates who has been mentioned. There are others. While Mrs. Vitter is no doubt a capable attorney, replacing the sitting U.S. Attorney with her or anyone else is not, in our opinion, a good idea right now.

Some key Republicans in this state, who have in the past demonstrated unabashed partisan leanings, are among officials who have already communicated with President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team, urging the incoming president to consider keeping Polite in charge of the prosecutor’s office.

We couldn’t agree more.

Kenneth Polite has made a point of keeping the news media – and therefore the public – informed of actions his office takes. Polite has made a point of visiting schools in the Bayou Region as part of his efforts to encourage children to take anti-gun violence pledges. And he has always made himself or appropriate staff members available to answer questions when possible, on wildly divergent matters.

He has gained the respect of local officials and made for some sleepless nights in the case of some. He has without hesitation taken down powerful political figures.

Retaining a federal prosecutor when an incoming president is from a different party, while rare, is not unprecedented in our history.

We urge President-elect Trump to follow the advice of Jeff Landry and of Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, and keep Kevin Polite as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

His stewardship of this office, the most important local connection with the U.S. Department of Justice, is proven and proper. There are some things that just shouldn’t be toyed with if they are not broken, and this all-important office is one of them.

It is our hope that U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, despite close ties to the Vitters, will do what is right for Louisiana and this region by publicly expressing his support for Polite. A senator’s words can go a long way in helping an incoming president make sound decisions.

Trump, a political newcomer, will need all the help he can get navigating difficult decisions like this in the earliest days of his administration. A nod toward retaining Polite from Cassidy could go a long way toward cementing a decision in favor of Polite.