Sen. John McCain, the leading critic of the recent  spate of national security leaks, rejected Attorney General Eric  H. Holder Jr.'s appointment on Friday of two U.S. attorneys to investigate the  breaches, arguing that only an outside counsel would be independent  enough for such a task.

Mr. McCain, an Arizona Republican who lost the  2008 presidential race to President Obama, as well as Sen. Lindsey  Graham, South Carolina Republican, issued a joint statement late  Friday night, arguing that Mr. Holder's decision to tap the two U.S.  attorneys doesn't go far enough.

"These breaches of national security have  compromised operations, strained relationships with allies, and put  lives at risk. It is imperative that an independent investigation be  conducted where the results could be accepted with a high degree of  confidence and without a hint of political considerations," they said.  "We are confident the two U.S. attorneys hand-picked by Attorney General  Holder are fine men. However, if there was ever a situation where we  needed an outside special counsel that would enjoy bipartisan acceptance  and widespread public trust, it is now."