Gonzales Fingers Lame-Duck Aide

(AP) - Obama environmental adviser Van Jones is resigning amid controversy over past inflammatory statements. The so-called green jobs czar got into hot water this week when two things surfaced: He called Republicans "assholes" in a video made before he joined the administration, and he signed a petition supporting the "truther" movement, which alleges that the Bush administration allowed the 9/11 attacks to happen. More»

Ex-AG compares torture to speeding (really)

(NEWSER) - Alberto Gonzales did not mean to endorse Eric Holder’s probe of alleged CIA torture during the Bush administration by calling it “legitimate,” the former AG tells the Washington Times, which broke the story. “I don't support the investigation by the department because this is a matter that has already been reviewed thoroughly,” he says. “Another investigation is going to harm our intelligence gathering capabilities.” More»

Nevada prosecutor to get old job back

(NEWSER) - A US attorney fired by the Bush administration is set to get his old job back, the Washington Post reports. Daniel Bolger, whose 2006 firing is among those being probed for partisan motivation, has been nominated by President Obama to again be the federal prosecutor for Nevada. Former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, when grilled by the Senate Judiciary Committee, was unable to recall the reason for Bolger's firing. More»

Disgraced senator says supporters don't want him to resign

(NEWSER) - Sen. John Ensign says he’ll stick with his job and run for reelection despite news of his affair and his parents’ $96,000 payment to his mistress’ family, the Las Vegas Sun reports. The Republican says his supporters are telling him he shouldn’t resign, and “I fully plan on running for reelection,” he says. “I’m going to work to earn their respect back.” More»

Sudden announcement puts Palins' ties to building firm in the spotlight

(NEWSER) - With the search on for budding scandals that might have prompted Sarah Palin's sudden resignation, her ties to a building company seem the likeliest prospect, writes Max Blumenthal at the Daily Beast. Rumors are flying in Alaska that investigators have seized paperwork to look for evidence that Spenard Building Supplies received juicy contracts in return for building the Palins' lakeside home just before her campaign for governor began, Blumenthal writes. More»