Loretta Lynch takes name out of the running for SCOTUS seat

Attorney General Loretta Lynch has asked the White House not to consider her for the Supreme Court seat left vacant by the late Justice Antonin Scalia.

Department of Justice spokeswoman Melanie Newman said in a statement the "limitations inherent in the nomination process" would keep Lynch from being effective as attorney general, and "given the urgent issues before the Department of Justice, she asked not to be considered for the position." Lynch has served as attorney general since last April, and is "deeply grateful" for those who suggested her as a possible nominee, Newman said, but is "fully committed to carrying out the work of the Department of Justice for the remainder of her term."

Scalia died while on a hunting retreat in Texas last month. On Monday, White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters President Obama spent "significant" time over the weekend working on the nomination selection process, speaking with several senators and reviewing materials, CBS News reports.

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