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Mukasey Is No Gonzales

Independent AG nominee, a 'serious judge,' could prove a thorn for Bush

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 23, 2007 12:05 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Michael Mukasey, President Bush's candidate to succeed embattled Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, has an independent streak that could end up changing the way the Justice Department is run. This could make things sticky for Bush in dealing with the congressional probes into activities under the previous AG's reign, suggests the Los Angeles Times.

Although Mukasey's politics are a fair match with Bush's on matters of national security and immigration, he is not expected to bend to the White House's desires if he doesn't consider them to be strictly legal. "He is not going to be pushed around," a law-school classmate of Mukasey cautions. "He's very much a serious judge. The administration cannot afford to antagonize him."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nev., right, walks with Attorney General-designate Michael Mukasey, left, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook)
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nev., right, walks with Attorney General-designate Michael Mukasey, left, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook)   (Associated Press)
Timeline shows key events in Michael Mukasey's life and career; 2c x 2 3/8 inches; 96.3 mm x 60.3 mm
Timeline shows key events in Michael Mukasey's life and career; 2c x 2 3/8 inches; 96.3 mm x 60.3 mm   (Associated Press)
President Bush, right, announces retired federal judge Michael Mukasey as his choice for attorney general, replacing Alberto Gonzales, Monday, Sept. 17, 2007, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
President Bush, right, announces retired federal judge Michael Mukasey as his choice for attorney general, replacing Alberto Gonzales, Monday, Sept. 17, 2007, in the Rose Garden of the White House in...   (Associated Press)
Retired federal judge Michael Mukasey listens as President Bush, not pictured, announces him as his nominee for attorney general, replacing Alberto Gonzales, Monday, Sept. 17, 2007, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington. As a judge, Mukasey ridiculed the Justice Department for defending federal sentencing guidelines used...
Retired federal judge Michael Mukasey listens as President Bush, not pictured, announces him as his nominee for attorney general, replacing Alberto Gonzales, Monday, Sept. 17, 2007, in the Rose Garden...   (Associated Press)
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Will Mukasey be able to clean up the A.G.'s office?
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Alberto Gonzales • Department of Justice • Attorney General • Michael Mukasey

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