Re:

Draft statement. Thoughts?

"I have always considered the Department of Justice my professional home, and while I am deeply honored to be considered a candidate for Attorney General, I have informed the President that I must decline his further consideration. The Attorney General serves a unique role in the President's cabinet, and must be perceived as independent from the White House. Any perception of a lack of independence because of my prior role as Counsel to the President would not serve the President, the Justice Department's, or the country's interest at this time, and I have so informed the President."

I think words like " i believe " is important. to soften the conclusion. and AG of the UNITED STATES isbest for internatail news reports

Good.