WASHINGTON (AP) — The first black man elected U.S. president is poised to name Washington lawyer Eric Holder as the nation’s first black attorney general — a historic appointment but one with some potential political problems over a 2001 pardon.

Holder, 57, met President-elect Barack Obama only four years ago, but the affable Bronx-born son of a Barbados immigrant quickly won a seat in the Democrat’s inner circle. If he becomes the next chief U.S. law enforcement officer, Holder will try to win back the public’s confidence in the Justice Department — an agency whose fiercely independent image was tarnished by GOP political meddling during the Bush administration.

Holder’s nomination is expected to be formally announced as soon as this week. He did not return messages seeking comment Tuesday, even though an Obama official and two Democrats in touch with his transition team confirmed that he is the top choice for attorney general.

Holder’s independence rarely has been questioned. But one of his final acts as President Bill Clinton’s deputy attorney general in 2001 could come back to haunt him as he seeks Senate confirmation for the Justice Department’s top job.