Connecticut’s members of Congress urged President Bush Monday to choose a successor to retiring Attorney General Alberto Gonzales who can restore trust in the Justice Department.
Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., a Democratic presidential candidate, complained that Gonzales was too partisan and should have been replaced a long time ago.
“Mr. Gonzales’ Justice Department became a political wing of the Bush administration and his resignation is long overdue,” Dodd said in a statement. “I will only vote to confirm a nominee for attorney general who is truly independent and who will guarantee reforms that restore and uphold the Constitution.”
Gonzales has faced criticism for months that he trampled civil liberties and politicized the Justice Department. Republicans and Democrats had demanded his resignation over the botched handling of FBI terror investigations and the firings of U.S. attorneys, which critics said were politically motivated. Bush staunchly supported his longtime Texas friend until accepting his resignation last Friday.
Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., said the controversy over Gonzales has diverted attention from more pressing issues such as terrorism.
“The attorney general’s resignation removes a distraction from the important work of the Department of Justice, and it provides President Bush with an opportunity to appoint an individual who can restore confidence,” Lieberman said in a statement.
Gonzales should be appreciated for his public service, Lieberman added.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., took sharp aim, saying Gonzales’ tenure was a “dark spot” in the Justice Department’s history. She hopes his replacement can restore trust in the justice system.
“We need to restore the integrity and the independence of our federal law enforcement and the new attorney general must meet higher standards,” DeLauro said in a statement.
DeLauro said there were “significant” threats to civil liberties under Gonzales, including questions about the use of warrantless wiretaps, the firing of U.S. attorneys and possible perjury in his testimony before Congress.
“Even though Alberto Gonzales will leave the Justice Department, the oversight investigations into the politicization of the department will continue,” DeLauro said. “Finding out how deep the White House’s control of the Justice Department goes is critical to restoring the American people’s confidence in the independence of our justice system.”
Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn., said he is pleased that Gonzales is being replaced.
“The controversy surrounding the tenure of Attorney General Gonzales has created a significant distraction from the important work facing the Justice Department and the country,” Shays said in a statement. “It is right that he step down and a new attorney general be appointed.”
