Gonzales Mishandled Secret Docs, Regrets Lapse

Government report expected to examine DoJ management

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted Sep 1, 2008 5:11 PM CDT

(Newser) – Lawyers for Alberto Gonzales admit in a memo released today that he mishandled highly classified notes about a secret counterterrorism program, but say it was unintentional and didn't result in leaks, the AP reports. A government report due out tomorrow is expected to criticize Gonzales's handling of the notes, which he improperly stored and may have taken home.

The report is the latest in a series looking at Gonzales's management of the Justice Department. At least two others are expected, including one examining his role in the ousting of nine US attorneys. Tomorrow's report could reignite a controversy about his role in pushing a national security program that his department had deemed illegal.

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

Alberto Gonzales, shown testifying in July during a hearing on Justice Department oversight, will be the subject of several government reports in the coming months. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook, file)

Gonzales is being examined by the Justice Department for his management while he was attorney general. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, file)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

Judge Gonzales regrets this lapse. - Legal memo prepared by Alberto Gonzales' legal team

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

Gonzales Changes Tune on 'Legitimate' CIA Probe

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»

Bush Lawyer Authorized Suspending 1st Amendment

Yoo memo also let military attack buildings inside US

(NEWSER) - Immediately after 9/11 the Justice Department under President Bush approved military attacks on apartments and offices, high-tech surveillance of citizens, and a suspension of press freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment. The actions detailed in the newly released memo, co-written by John Yoo and sent to Alberto Gonzales, were seen as so extreme that they were never taken—but the authorizations were not revoked until 2008, Newsweek reports. More»

Justice Dept. Math: Subtract Politics, Add Confidence

Obama needs to tread careful bipartisan line in cleaning up after Bush

(NEWSER) - Repairing a Justice Department heavily politicized by the Bush administration’s ideologically motivated hiring practices and controversial counterterrorism measures will be one of Barack Obama’s most daunting challenges, Carrie Johnson writes in the Washington Post. One key area is the secretive Office of Legal Counsel, which advises the government on a range of issues from domestic spying to religious-group funding. More»

No More Politics in Justice Dept., Mukasey Vows

Bush's Attorney General nominee promises independent voice

(NEWSER) - A Michael Mukasey-led Justice Department won’t be the White House puppet many accused it of being under Alberto Gonzalez, the Attorney General nominee promised as confirmation hearings opened today. “Legal decisions and the progress of cases are decided by facts and law, not by interests and motives,” he said, and promised to advise the president on the limits of executive power. More»

With Gonzo Gone, Whither W?

Lame-duck Justice Dept., confirmation wrangling loom

(NEWSER) - Alberto Gonzales leaves the Justice Department swamped with scandal and doubt, and the White House in a pall of uncertainty. Bush is finally unburdened of one of his administration's biggest targets, but is also increasingly alone as his closest advisers evaporate. And the confirmation hearings for Gonzales' replacement could turn into a confrontation with angry Democrats More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

Gonzales Mishandled Secret Docs, Regrets Lapse