Word: mukasey
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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...with a crisis about how to move forward in Iraq. Bush decided against Donald Rumsfeld but also against the Iraq Study Group, and for General David Petraeus and the surge. Democrats forecast an even deeper quagmire. Instead, we've seen progress--which could well continue and broaden. Meanwhile, Michael Mukasey--not Alberto Gonzales--will be making the case for the Administration on the tools it needs to conduct the war on terrorism. A respected and independent former judge, Mukasey will have credibility that Gonzales could only dream...
After they finally bounced Alberto Gonzales out of town, it may seem petty for Democrats to try to delay the confirmation of former Federal Judge Michael Mukasey as Attorney General. To Republicans, it certainly does. In their eyes, President George W. Bush found a candidate that everyone could agree on. The right knows he's tough on terrorism, while the left respects his ruling that granted "enemy combatant" Jose Padilla a lawyer. "Our Democratic colleagues have repeatedly told us that the central concern in all this was the health and well-being of the Justice Department," said Senate minority leader...
...what does Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Patrick Leahy, a Vermont Democrat and the man responsible for Mukasey's confirmation hearings, have against the former judge from New York? Nothing. He simply wants Justice Department documents relating to last year's firings of eight U.S. Attorneys, which the Administration has refused to hand over despite a subpoena. "Our focus now will be on securing the relevant information we need so we can proceed to schedule fair and thorough hearings," Leahy said. "Cooperation from the White House will be essential in determining that schedule...
Democrats say this could be the moment of truth in their efforts to unravel the firings. And the GOP shouldn't be entirely surprised that Mukasey is caught in the middle. His nomination, however agreeable, doesn't absolve the Administration of its sins. Will Bush fold and give Democrats the documents they seek? Expect a compromise, say several congressional staffers from both sides of the aisle. Some relevant papers may be handed over, and Mukasey will probably be confirmed sooner rather than later...
...Mukasey is not guaranteed a free pass from the left: his rulings in favor of the government have upheld some of the toughest provisions of Bush's approach to fighting terrorism. However, Senate Democrats are largely positive so far on Mukasey, saying that as a judge he was very knowledgeable and an unquestioned straight-shooter. They also say he is independent, which is the highest priority of those who want to get to the bottom of any possible wrongdoing at the Justice Department under Alberto Gonzales...