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Senate Confirms Mukasey as AG

Bush nominee overcomes waterboarding flap

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 8, 2007 10:32 PM CST
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(Newser) – The Senate tonight approved retired judge Michael Mukasey to be the next attorney general, AP reports. Mukasey, whose refusal to declare that waterboarding is illegal nearly torpedoed his nomination, will replace Alberto Gonzales. "This is the only chance we have," said Dianne Feinstein before the 53-40 vote, referring to Democratic hopes of reforming the Justice Department and Bush's reluctance to nominate anyone else.

Not all her Democratic colleagues agreed. “The United States will not be viewed kindly if we confirm as chief law enforcement officer of this country someone who is unwilling or unable to recognize torture when he sees it,” said Dick Durbin. The 66-year-old Mukasey will be the nation's 81st attorney general.

Attorney General-designate Michael Mukasey prepares to testify on Capitol Hill in Washington in this Oct. 18, 2007, file photo. (AP Photos/Susan Walsh, File)
Attorney General-designate Michael Mukasey prepares to testify on Capitol Hill in Washington in this Oct. 18, 2007, file photo. (AP Photos/Susan Walsh, File)   (Associated Press)
Retired federal judge Michael Mukasey listens as President Bush announces him as his nominee for attorney general, replacing Alberto Gonzales,in this Sept. 17, 2007 file photo, in the Rose Garden of the White House. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
Retired federal judge Michael Mukasey listens as President Bush announces him as his nominee for attorney general, replacing Alberto Gonzales,in this Sept. 17, 2007 file photo, in the Rose Garden of the...   (Associated Press)
Senate Judiciary Committee member, Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks on why he voted to confirm Attorney General-designate Michael Mukasey, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007, during the committee's markup hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photos/Susan Walsh)
Senate Judiciary Committee member, Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks on why he voted to confirm Attorney General-designate Michael Mukasey, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007, during the committee's markup hearing...   (Associated Press)
Attorney General-designate Michael Mukasey, right, smiles on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007, while testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee's hearing on his nomination. Former FBI Director Louis Freeh looks on at left. (AP Photos/Susan Walsh)
Attorney General-designate Michael Mukasey, right, smiles on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007, while testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee's hearing on his nomination. Former...   (Associated Press)
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Alberto Gonzales • Charles Schumer • Senate • Michael Mukasey • waterboarding

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