Deputy AG Confirmation Hearing Held For Rod Rosenstein

WASHINGTON (AP) — The top attorney in the state of Maryland is getting national attention as he faces confirmation to become the U.S. Deputy Attorney General.

Rod Rosenstein's record and experience will come into play, as he could preside over one of the most controversial investigations dealing with Russia's role in the presidential election.

Many will tell you Rosenstein is fair, and the person for the job after becoming the longest current U.S. Attorney in the country.

His role as the top attorney in Maryland has put him on the front line, fighting some of the most high profile cases.

Rosenstein now faces a new fight as he stands confirmation to become U.S. Deputy Attorney General, behind U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

During his nearly 12 years as Maryland's top attorney, Rosenstein has been behind the take down of some of the most powerful gangs in Baltimore.

In 2013, he tackled members of the BGF gang behind a massive drug smuggling ring inside the Baltimore City Detention Center.

After the 2015 riots, Rosenstein pushed for hard sentencing for those behind the fires and looting.

And most recently, the indictment of seven Baltimore City police officers accused of stealing and lying about hundreds of thousands of dollars in overtime.

"As you've heard, he's had a lustrous and long career,"  said U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen. (D-Md.) "And during his 27 year career, he's earned a reputation as a fair and focused administrator of justice."

The big question Rosenstein now faces, is how he would handle an investigation looking into Russia's role in the 2016 presidential election.

"I would evaluate the facts and the law, consider the applicable regulations, consult with career professionals in the department, and then exercise my best judgement if I were acting Attorney General - or provide my best advice to the Attorney General if he were not recused - about what I believe is the right course of action," Rosenstein said during his hearing Tuesday.

Rosenstein has served as Maryland's top attorney during three presidential administrations, and was appointed by President George W. Bush in 2005.

Follow @CBSBaltimore on Twitter and like WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore on Facebook