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During a sometimes serious, sometimes light-hearted exchange with Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn (R-Tex.) President Obama's nominee for attorney general, Loretta Lynch, said she "would be Loretta Lynch" and maintain independence if confirmed for the position. (AP)

The memories of Eric Holder loomed over attorney general nominee Loretta Lynchs confirmation hearing as Republicans reminded her over and over again that one of her most appealing qualities is that shes not him.

The departing attorney generals name was invoked more than two dozen times at Wednesdays Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, prompting Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) at one point to scold his Republican colleagues for bashing someone who wasnt there to defend himself.

But if Holder fans thought the bashing was rough with Lynch in the hot seat, its really just a warm-up for Thursdays day two hearing, where Republicans have lined up a series of anti-Holder witnesses.

For now, weve assembled the top Holder-as-punching-bag moments:

1. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) asked Lynch if she would uphold and defend the Constitution. Absolutely, sir, she said.

Im glad you said that. Attorney General Holder answered that same question in the same way, Hatch said, adding that Holder broke his promise and so he cast doubt about others who make the same commitment as you did today.

2. John Cornyn (R-Tex.): Let me just stipulate, youre not Eric Holder, are you? Lynch replied, No, Im not, sir.

3. Cornyn, in the same line of questioning, said Holder was heavy on our minds now and wondered if Lynch would consider herself a political arm of the White House as attorney general.

No, Senator, that would be a totally inappropriate view of the position of attorney general, Lynch said.

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In the Loop: Loretta Lynch assures GOP she is not Eric Holder, again and again