William Barr, nominee to be Attorney General, meets with Senate Judiciary chairman Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, Jan. 9, 2018.Former Virginia governor and U.S. senator, George Allen, who nominated Barr to chair the project called "Truth in Sentencing," which eventually required inmates to serve 85 percent of their sentences, told ABC News that in order to get legislation through the Virginia State House, he had to persuade Democrats and Republicans that it was necessary - a skill Allen thinks will translate well in a second stint as attorney general.
“He is steady to the law," Allen told ABC News. His judgment will be "based on the law."
Barr respects institutions, the Constitution and the law, Allen said.
He predicted Barr will be unflappable in his confirmation hearing and display a "slightly dry sense of humor."
The commission that Barr chaired eventually led to legislation being passed and led to sentencing rates that decreased, Allen said.
George Terwilliger, who succeeded Barr as Deputy Attorney General and is now a partner at McGuire Woods, said that Barr is a "lawyer's lawyer."
"Bill has a lifetime of achievement, making good judgments in challenging circumstances," Terwilliger told ABC News.
Richard Cullen, who became friends with Barr when he was U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and Barr was attorney general, told ABC News that he doesn't think there is anyone more prepared for the job.
"Not only has he been there once and done it, add to that 20 plus years of business experience in cutting edge issues," he said, citing Barr's work as counsel for Verizon when the company switched from a landline company to an entertainment conglomerate.
He also noted that, personally, everyone loves being around him and praised his sense of humor and intellect.
Jay Timmons, Allen's former chief of staff and now National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO, also lauded the pick.
“President Trump could not have nominated a better individual than Bill Barr for Attorney General of the United States, and manufacturers are encouraged by this outstanding nomination,” Timmons said in a statement.
"Manufacturers are confident he will bring the same sterling commitment to the rule of law to the Justice Department that he has shown throughout his storied career, and we are equally confident the Senate will set aside partisanship as they consider the confirmation of this highly respected public servant,” Timmons continued.
Colleagues who spoke to ABC News all described him as steady and noted he doesn't need any on the job training.
"Because he is a superior lawyer, he is able to reach a solid judgment," Terwilliger said.
Kaynak:Abcnews