Both U.S. senators from Illinois are praising Loretta Lynch's record after the Senate confirmed her nomination for U.S. attorney general.
The 56-43 vote Thursday installed Lynch at the Justice Department to replace Eric Holder. She's the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York.
Illinois' Senator Mark Kirk was among the 10 Republicans who voted for her confirmation. He has said he met with her recently to discuss gang violence and was impressed by her attention to the topic. In a Thursday statement, Kirk says Chicago gangs challenge the safety and education of every child in their path.
In a statement, Democratic Senator Dick Durbin says Lynch is "without question one of the finest cabinet nominees" he has voted for.
The vote ended months of delay.