Mukasey selection widely praised

WASHINGTON — President Bush's nomination Monday of former federal judge Michael Mukasey as attorney general won praise from unlikely quarters and possibly averted a contentious Senate confirmation battle.

Leading Democrats, who had vowed to block any nominee who appeared overly partisan, said Mukasey appeared independent enough to be confirmed.

"I'm glad President Bush listened to Congress and put aside his plan to replace Alberto Gonzales with another partisan administration insider," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. "Judge Mukasey has strong professional credentials."

Even so, Senate Democrats cautioned that Mukasey shouldn't expect to coast through the confirmation process and would be questioned closely about his views on controversial issues such as the administration's wiretapping program.

In contrast to other leading candidates to lead the Justice Department, Mukasey isn't known for his political ties but for his rulings in high-profile terrorism cases, including the prosecution of Jose Padilla, a U.S. citizen accused of attempting to detonate a dirty bomb.

Last week, word leaked that Bush might choose former U.S. Solicitor General Theodore Olson, provoking an outcry from Democrats over Olson's fierce partisan background.

"From all indications, Judge Mukasey is a highly qualified professional who has a long and distinguished legal career," said Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah, who sits on the House Judiciary Committee. "However, I will withhold judgment until we hear from him at his confirmation hearing. I can only hope that Democrats will use this nomination as an opportunity to end pointless political witch-hunts. The Department of Justice needs someone at the wheel."

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said the Senate should focus on Mukasey's qualifications and almost 40 years of experience in the U.S. legal system. "I know some in this body want to use nominations to fight unrelated policy or political battles. Those fights are for the legislative process or the oversight process, but not the confirmation process," he said.

Hatch said he has seen nine previous attorneys general go through the Senate Judiciary Committee with a three-week average time frame between their nomination and confirmation.

Mukasey, 66, doesn't have close personal ties to Bush — unlike former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. Gonzales, who served as White House counsel, was criticized for lacking the necessary independence and expertise to serve as the nation's top law enforcement official.