The Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday voted 17-2 in favor of Eric Holder’s nomination to be attorney general. Voting against the nomination were conservative GOP Sens. John Cornyn (Texas) and Tom Coburn (Okla.). Ranking member Arlen Specter (R-Pa.), who earlier signaled reservations about Holder’s appointment, voted yes, as he said he would on Tuesday. Holder’s appointment now goes to the full Senate for consideration. The strong committee vote almost assures his confirmation as the head of the Justice Department. “I think it is helpful to have as much bipartisan support as possible, and I think to have support of the ranking member gives a little extra weight,” Specter said in his opening remarks before the committee Wednesday. A floor vote has not yet been scheduled.