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Merrick Garland, Biden's attorney general pick, has a long history with the Justice Department. Here are three things to know about Judge Garland. USA TODAY

Two Republican attorneys general were among bipartisan groups of U.S. Justice Department alums and formerfederal judges who announced their support Friday for President Joe Biden's attorney general nominee Merrick Garland.

Michael Mukasey and Alberto Gonzales, who both served as attorneys general in the George W. Bush administration, were among more than 150 former Justice officials and U.S. attorneys who lauded the federal appeals court judge as "the rightperson" for a difficult job following the tumult of the Trump administration.

Eric Holder and Loretta Lynch, who led the Justice Department during the Obama administration, also were among the signatories to a letter submitted to the leadership of the Senate Judiciary Committee leadership where Garland is set for a Monday confirmation hearing.

DOJ: The Justice Department urgently needs a reset. Enter Merrick Garland. Is he up for it?

More: Biden introduces Merrick Garland, 3 other Justice Department nominees

Then-President George W. Bush embraces U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales as he walks offstage after the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in April 2005 in Washington, D.C. Gonzales has "fond feelings" about his service.(Photo: Joe Raedle, Getty Images)

A separate endorsement was submitted on behalf of 61 former federal judges appointed by Republican and Democratic presidents.

"Judge Garland approaches thelaw with an unwavering commitment to fairness and justice," the judges said. "Those of us who haveworked directly with Judge Garland have seen firsthand his strong moral compassand abiding integrity."

The selection of Garland, who also served as a top Justice official in the Clinton administration, has been cast by Biden as an attempt to reset a Justice Department roiled by politics and efforts by former President Donald Trump to use the institution to advance his political interests.

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"The work and reputation of the Department of Justice are as important as they have ever been," the former Justice officials said. "Judge Garland is the right person to ensure the fair administration of justice, whether related tonational security, public integrity, civil rights, antitrust, crime, or other pressing issues.

"He is alsothe right person to do so with integrity, humility, and a complete understanding of the substantialresponsibility on his shoulders at this time," the former Justice officials said.

Garland approaches his Monday confirmation hearing five years after a Republican-controlled Senate blocked his nomination to the Supreme Court by then-President Barack Obama.

But he might not be good for business

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Merrick Garland backed by 4 former attorneys general, including 2 Republicans, ahead of confirmation hearing - USA TODAY