Via WaPo: Ex-Judge Is Said to Be Pick At Justice
President Bush has selected retired federal judge Michael B. Mukasey as his new attorney general, sources said yesterday, moving to install a law-and-order conservative at the Justice Department while hoping to avoid a confirmation fight with Senate Democrats.
I guess that the story over the weekend was something of a trial balloon, and that it went over sufficiently well to proceed.
My thoughts initial thoughts on the situation can be found here.
In some ways I am surprised that the administration has decided to go this route, as it is somewhat uncharacteristic insofar as it isn’t a move designed to appeal to the base, but rather has some consensus-building elements to it. And, interestingly, it is also the first post-Rove appointment.
Of course, expect a little bit of fight out of the Democrats, as this is politics, after all.
Speaking of politics, it is interesting to note that Mukasey has some ties to Giuliani, insofar as he was a prosecutor who worked under Giuliani and his judgeship was served in New York.
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This http://prosandcons.us/?p=5452 is somewhat on point, especially insofar as Ashcroft was bitter about the military commisions ruling.
As for seperation fo powers, the Senate need not confirm anyone, and hrose trading is normal, but allowing Senators to much about in the functioning of the Executive Branch is a recipe for disaster, as the legislature seems almsot designed to disguise accountability nowadays, jsut as it was in the days of the Continental Congress.
I obviously agree that Ashcroft was a far better administrator than his successor, but that’s where he got his political start. Given the record of judges and lawyers as adminsitrators, I fear for the effectiveness of DOJ, as doe Ashcroft (see link above).
Comment by Honza P — Monday, September 17, 2024 @ 1:53 pm