Democrats seek Gonzales confidence vote
Democrats seek Gonzales confidence vote
By Brooke Masters in New York
Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2007
Published: May 17 2007 23:09 | Last updated: May 17 2007 23:09
Democratic senators will seek a no-confidence vote on Alberto Gonzales, attorney-general, as early as next week, two prominent senators said on Thursday.
Mr Gonzales has been under fire since February for the mass sackings of at least eight US attorneys and the heat got turned up this week with the additional revelation that, as White House counsel, Mr Gonzales had gone to the hospital room of John Ashcroft – his predecessor, who was then gravely ill – to press him about approving a controversial domestic spying programme.
“His credibility is shot. Any faith that he can manage or run the department is gone. And the very justice system which is at the core of our democratic values is held in disrepute every day that he holds office,” said Chuck Schumer, the New York senator who has led the charge for the Democrats on this issue with Dianne Feinstein of California.
Democrats hold only a slim majority in the Senate, but at least six Republicans have said Mr Gonzales ought to resign, including three who announced their positions in the last few days.
Several other top Republicans, including Arlen Specter, the ranking GOP member on the judiciary committee, have made clear they would prefer Mr Gonzales to go.
“I believe that the Department of Justice is close to being dysfunctional now, with an attorney general who is unable to perform the duties of that position,” Mr Specter said yesterday.
Tony Snow, the White House spokesman, said as recently as Wednesday that President George W. Bush “still has full confidence” in Mr Gonzales.
By Brooke Masters in New York
Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2007
Published: May 17 2007 23:09 | Last updated: May 17 2007 23:09
Democratic senators will seek a no-confidence vote on Alberto Gonzales, attorney-general, as early as next week, two prominent senators said on Thursday.
Mr Gonzales has been under fire since February for the mass sackings of at least eight US attorneys and the heat got turned up this week with the additional revelation that, as White House counsel, Mr Gonzales had gone to the hospital room of John Ashcroft – his predecessor, who was then gravely ill – to press him about approving a controversial domestic spying programme.
“His credibility is shot. Any faith that he can manage or run the department is gone. And the very justice system which is at the core of our democratic values is held in disrepute every day that he holds office,” said Chuck Schumer, the New York senator who has led the charge for the Democrats on this issue with Dianne Feinstein of California.
Democrats hold only a slim majority in the Senate, but at least six Republicans have said Mr Gonzales ought to resign, including three who announced their positions in the last few days.
Several other top Republicans, including Arlen Specter, the ranking GOP member on the judiciary committee, have made clear they would prefer Mr Gonzales to go.
“I believe that the Department of Justice is close to being dysfunctional now, with an attorney general who is unable to perform the duties of that position,” Mr Specter said yesterday.
Tony Snow, the White House spokesman, said as recently as Wednesday that President George W. Bush “still has full confidence” in Mr Gonzales.
posted by Carlos T Mock @ 8:15 AM
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