From Deseret News archives:
Hatch defends Gonzales as attorney general announces resignation
Many Democrats and some Republicans had been calling for Gonzales' resignation for months based on his involvement, or lack thereof, of the Justice Department's firing of eight U.S. attorneys and the administration's policies on warrant-less wiretapping.
But Gonzales made no mention of this at a two-minute press conference today. Instead, he said leading the Justice Department has been one of "greatest privileges" and that he has "lived the American dream."
"Even my worst days as attorney general have been better than my father's best days," Gonzales said.
The Senate and House Judiciary Committees have been conducting investigations into whether the administration unfairly fired U.S. attorneys based on political motives after conflicting stories came out as to why they were asked to resign.
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and a former chairman, has been fighting off rumors that he is next in line for the job.
Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., said on "Meet the Press" April 1 that Hatch was "actively running" to be Gonzales' replacement to which Hatch replied, "Oh come on, Pat." Hatch was just re-elected to another six-year Senate term in the 2006 election.
Hatch's office notes the day of Leahy's statement, April Fool's Day, as something to note when evaluating the comments. But another item to note is that Hatch's former spokesman Peter Carr started as the new deputy director of public affairs at the Justice Department last week. Carr insisted his move was not based on the possibility of Hatch taking over as attorney general.
Hatch has repeatedly sided with the Justice Department and Gonzales' role as attorney general. He said in a statement issued Monday that Gonzales "has been the president's strong right arm in fighting terrorists using the tools of law enforcement, and he helped successfully protect the American homeland during his tenure."
Recent comments
I am happy that Mr. Gonzales is gone. I like Hatch.
Being the...
James | Aug. 27, 2007 at 11:54 p.m.
I wouldn't be surprise of Hatch was close friends with Senator Larry...
Jed | Aug. 27, 2007 at 10:34 p.m.
It's not as though Gonzales never had a chance to set the record...
Mark B | Aug. 27, 2007 at 8:15 p.m.
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