We have an Attorney General right now.

[cali]

I've seen dozens of posts this morning saying we're doing just fine without an AG. I strongly support rejection of Mukasey, but if you think there is no AG and that's better, you're fooling yourself.

Peter Keisler is Acting AG and it's my understanding that he has all the authority of an AG who's confirmed. He's a key member of the BFEE, was one of bushco's lawyers in FL, is up to his neck in the telecoms illegal wiretapping, tried to derail the tobacco suits, co-founded the Federalist Society, was reputedly instrumental in stealing the 2000 election, and much more. And if he can do it, I imagine there's no one bushco would rather retain what with the upcoming elections and all that evidence to destroy in the Justice Department. Appointments such as Keisler's are only supposed to be for 120 days, but the rules have been flouted in the past, and I doubt bushco would lose any sleep over flouting them.

If they somehow manage to block Mukasey, the next order of business should be doing something about Keisler.

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

1. I'm not sure there is much they can do about Keisler...

...aside from pointing out what a bullshit AG he is and demanding that Bush send them a sensible nominee (which he won't do.)

[cali]

4. they can haul him in fron of the Judiciary Committee

again and again. They can make an issue about him. I don't know how many people realize that first bushco appointed Clemente as Acting AG and pulled a switch on the day he announced Mukasey's nom.

[Virginia Dare]

8. That's what I'd like to see them do, Cali....n/t

[Blackhatjack]

9. This should be the plan ... and the Judiciary Committee can stay on top of his doings...

It really is the only thing that can be done if Bush does not submit a new nominee.

[Virginia Dare]

2. There's no hope for the Justice Department regardless..

I think they should just keep rejecting whatever nutjob Bush sends to them, and keep the microscope trained fully on them. Leahy and Conyers are up to the job.

[spanone]

5. i agree, but it's a pipedream.

[Virginia Dare]

7. Agreed, I should have added that, it's a pleasant thought though..n/t

[Demit]

3. Pretty much I think we're up shit's creek for the next year. The Bush bench is deep.

I agree, I'd like to see the Senate refuse to confirm Mukasey—if only to see some stirrings of successful pushback against this dangerous president—but there's plenty more where Mukasey came from. They've been grooming these zombies for decades. We're in a world of trouble for the next year...the countdown begins, and I think the Bush administration will be stepping up the action. I really dread it.

[cali]

6. Exactly.

but there are many posts this morning wherein the poster says something to the effect that the JD is doing just fine since Gonzo without an AG.