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Sessions’ 1986 nomination to be a U.S. District Court judge was eventually withdrawn after Senate hearings revealed he had been accused of suppressing black votes and of making racially insensitive comments. In addition, Sessions once called the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which protected the voting rights of racial minorities, an “intrusive piece of legislation.” In 2014, Sessions opposed legislative efforts to counter a Supreme Court decision that ruled a key part of the act unconstitutional.“Jeff Sessions has dedicated his career to upholding the rule of law, ensuring public safety, and prosecuting government corruption,” a spokesperson for Sessions said in a statement. “Many African-American leaders who’ve known him for decades attest to this and have welcomed his nomination to be the next Attorney General.”Beginning Jan. 10, Sessions will undergo two days of confirmation hearings with the Senate Judiciary Committee. Despite Republican control of the committee, it is expected to be a tough job interview.