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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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Alberto Gonzales Resigns

Attorney general steps down after months of criticism over politicized Justice Department

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(Newser) – Alberto Gonzales has resigned, the White House told CNN today, after months of calls for his replacement—and even impeachment—from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle worried that the Justice Department was becoming overly politicized. The AG told President Bush of his intention to step down Friday, following strategist Karl Rove out by just a few weeks.

Gonzales' tenure at Justice was marred by a scandal over the firing of nine US attorneys, which led to charges that the AG perjured himself in Senate testimony. A dispute over internal dissension concerning the NSA's warrantless wiretapping program, dating back to the longtime Bush adviser's tenure as White House counsel, helped fuel calls for his ouster.

In this Jan. 31, 2005 file photo, United States Attorney General nominee Alberto Gonzales, right, and White House senior adviser Karl Rove, left, look on as they attend the swearing-in ceremony for the Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings at the U.S. Dept. of Education, in Washington. Embattled Attorney General...
In this Jan. 31, 2005 file photo, United States Attorney General nominee Alberto Gonzales, right, and White House senior adviser Karl Rove, left, look on as they attend the swearing-in ceremony for the...   (Associated Press)
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, left, and Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales, right, during a press briefing in this, Aug. 10, 2006, file photo in Washington. Gonzales, under fire from congressional Democrats, has resigned, senior Bush administration officials said Monday, Aug. 27, 2007. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds, files)
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, left, and Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales, right, during a press briefing in this, Aug. 10, 2006, file photo in Washington. Gonzales, under fire from...   (Associated Press)
U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales appears after speaking to the Fraternal Order of Police convention in Louisville, Ky., Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2007. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)
U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales appears after speaking to the Fraternal Order of Police convention in Louisville, Ky., Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2007. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)   (Associated Press)
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, July 24, 2007, before the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on his role in the firing of federal prosecutors. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook)
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, July 24, 2007, before the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on his role in the firing of federal prosecutors. (AP...   (Associated Press)
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales leaves the room after President Bush, not shown, finished making comments after meeting with the Counterterrorism Team, Friday, Aug. 3, 2007, at the J. Edgar Hoover FBI Building in Washington. Bush administration officials say Gonzales will announce his resignation Monday, Aug. 27, 2007. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales leaves the room after President Bush, not shown, finished making comments after meeting with the Counterterrorism Team, Friday, Aug. 3, 2007, at the J. Edgar Hoover FBI...   (Associated Press)
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales applauds President Bush during a ceremony at the Justice Department in Washington, Monday, Feb. 14, 2005 where Gonzales was sworn in as United States Attorney General. Bush administration officials say Gonzales will announce his resignation Monday, Aug. 27, 2007. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales applauds President Bush during a ceremony at the Justice Department in Washington, Monday, Feb. 14, 2005 where Gonzales was sworn in as United States Attorney General....   (Associated Press)
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales pauses while speaking at the meeting of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and the Asset Forfeiture Program in this Tuesday, July 31, 2007 file photo in Washington. Bush administration officials say Gonzales will announce his resignation Monday, Aug. 27, 2007. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak,...
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales pauses while speaking at the meeting of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and the Asset Forfeiture Program in this Tuesday, July 31, 2007 file...   (Associated Press)
President Bush, right, walks with Attorney General Alberto Gonzales outside of the White House in Washington in this Thursday, Aug. 9, 2007 file photo. Bush administration officials say Gonzales will announce his resignation Monday, Aug. 27, 2007. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds, FILE)
President Bush, right, walks with Attorney General Alberto Gonzales outside of the White House in Washington in this Thursday, Aug. 9, 2007 file photo. Bush administration officials say Gonzales will...   (Associated Press)
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Chertoff likely to step in
CNN

Gonzales' history of loyalty to president and party
CNN

"The result: yet another 'loyal Bushie' leaves the White House and Bush becomes more and more isolated"
Van Der Galien Gazette

USNews item from Friday anticipating the resignation
US News & World Report

Does this mean a recess appointment?
Daily Kos Blog

Edwards: "Better late than never."
Politico


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Bush administration • Alberto Gonzales • Department of Justice • Karl Rove • Attorney General • White House • impeachment • resignation • US attorney firings • warrantless wiretapping

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