Thread: Republican: Gonzales Stands No Chance

Republican: Gonzales Stands No Chance
Bush's Aide, Karl Rove, May Be Subpoenaed Next Week

POSTED: 12:34 am CDT March 16, 2007
UPDATED: 5:21 pm CDT March 16, 2007


CAPITOL HILL -- There's growing congressional criticism of the nation's top law enforcement officer over his part in the firings of eight federal prosecutors as another Republican is suggesting the time for Attorney General Alberto Gonzales to step aside may have come.

Survey: Should Gonzales Resign? | Video: E-Mails Link Rove?




California U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher said ultimately it's the president's decision, but that the administration might benefit from an attorney general "with a more professional focus rather than personal loyalty."


Rohrabacher also referred to what he called "a pattern of arrogance in this administration."

Rohrabacher's comments come as the White House backed off its contention that it was former White House Counsel Harriet Miers' idea to fire eight federal prosecutors. Press secretary Tony Snow told reporters Friday that people's memories could be hazy.

The White House also said it needs more time to decide whether key presidential advisers will testify before Congress about the firings of U.S. attorneys.

The White House said it also must decide about releasing documents to lawmakers.

A spokeswoman said White House Counsel Fred Fielding suggested to the House Judiciary Committee that he get back to members on Tuesday.

Democratic Sen. Charles Schumer said the White House "ought to gather all the facts and tell the public the truth."

One Republican member of the House Judiciary Committee said he's told White House officials that Gonzales stands no chance. The lawmaker, who's not ready to speak out publicly, said he expects to be among Republicans calling for Gonzales' resignation after the attorney general tells his story on Capitol Hill.

Republican Sen. Gordon Smith of Oregon said Gonzales has lost the confidence of Congress. Earlier, New Hampshire's John Sununu became the first Republican senator to publicly urge President George W. Bush to fire Gonzales.

The Senate Judiciary Committee has authorized subpoenas for Justice Department officials in its probe into the firings. Subpoenas for Bush's top aides, including Karl Rove, could be approved next week.

E-Mail Indicates Rove Involvement In Replacing Prosecutors

A 2005 e-mail exchange suggests White House political adviser Karl Rove may have had a hand in the process that resulted in the firing of a number of federal prosecutors.

The one-page document, released on Thursday, also indicates Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and his chief aide were considering dismissing as many as 20 percent of the U.S. attorneys.

The aide, Kyle Sampson, resigned this week over the department's handling of the firings of eight U.S. attorneys and misleading comments to Congress.

The White House said Rove remembers first hearing about the idea to replace all 93 prosecutors at the start of the second term from Harriet Miers, the top White House lawyer.

On Thursday, Rove told journalism students in Alabama that dismissals were decided "at the Department of Justice on the basis of policy and personnel."

Democrats contend the dismissals were politically motivated. And members of both parties are calling for Gonzales to step down.


http://www.ksat.com/politics/11266044/detail.html

Senator Schumer, when did this White House gang ever told us the truth?

California U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher said ultimately it's the president's decision, but that the administration might benefit from an attorney general "with a more professional focus rather than personal loyalty."

Now who is his loyalty to? Who benefited from these firings? Did some friends who wanted those jobs? Was it poltically motivated along party lines? Was it motivated by personal convictions about how to handle the illegal immigration crisis?

My gut feeling says it is the latter. Just a hunch.

I agree. Their all a bunch of liars!

I read today only 2 of the 20 or so positions of the U.S. attorneys have even been interview for. Both where not hired yet.
I don’t get it, not at all, unless there is some big hidden scandal that will come out soon.

For me, that A-Hole's comments about gang members "they're folks who have run into a spell of bad luck" , should be enough to get him canned. That's like saying it's OK because Hitler had a tough childhood. He's supposed to be our top cop and he sides with the worst of criminals over us. Don't let the door hit you...oh, and on your way out, tell us how Bush got elected in Mexico! Goodbye you P.O.S.

For me, that A-Hole's comments about gang members "they're folks who have run into a spell of bad luck" , should be enough to get him canned.

jceg, when did Gonzales say that? Do you believe it was out of loyalty because of racial interests?