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Dems to Grill AG Nominee on Bush's Meddling

Influence on Justice looms as top Mukasey confirmation issue

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 16, 2007 2:05 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Michael Mukasey's confirmation hearings kick off tomorrow, and the focus of senators' questions for the AG nominee is already clear, the Christian Science Monitor reports: Democrats want assurances he’ll be more independent than Alberto Gonzales. Pat Leahy, for one, is looking for agreement that “federal law enforcement should not be compromised by political operatives from the White House.”

Also under scrutiny will be Mukasey’s terrorism record. As a federal judge, he drew widespread praise for the “blind sheik” trial following the 1993 World Trade Center bombings, then raised eyebrows issuing secret warrants after 9/11. Another issue is timing: With Bush’s term ending, any reforms a new AG might institute will have only about a year to take hold.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nev., right, accompanied by Attorney General-designate Michael Mukasey, left, meets with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook)
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nev., right, accompanied by Attorney General-designate Michael Mukasey, left, meets with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007. (AP...   (Associated Press)
Retired federal judge Michael Mukasey listens in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington as President Bush announces him as his nominee for attorney general replacing Alberto Gonzales in this Sept. 17, 2007 file photo. As the highest-ranking judge in the federal courthouse near New York's ground zero...
Retired federal judge Michael Mukasey listens in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington as President Bush announces him as his nominee for attorney general replacing Alberto Gonzales in this...   (Associated Press)
Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., starts a meeting with Attorney General nominee Michael Mukasey in his office on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007. (AP Photos/Susan Walsh)
Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., starts a meeting with Attorney General nominee Michael Mukasey in his office on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007. (AP Photos/Susan Walsh)   (Associated Press)
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