Obama's Labor Choice May Face Stiff Opposition

Over New Black Panther case

President Barack Obama on Monday officially nominated Justice Department official Thomas Perez to his become secretary of labor, but several Republican lawmakers indicated Perez could face stiff resistance in confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill.

Obama ended weeks of speculation and formally tapped Perez to lead the Department of Labor during a White House ceremony. Perez will become the only Latino in the president's second-term cabinet if he is confirmed. He will replace outgoing Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, who is Mexican-American. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, the only other Latino in the cabinet, is expected to leave his post at the end of the month.