Ashcroft Likely To Resign Before Jan 20th

[ontheEdgeof17]

By CURT ANDERSON, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - Attorney General John Ashcroft (news - web sites) is likely to leave his post before the start of President Bush (news - web sites)'s second term, senior aides said Thursday.


Ashcroft, 62, is described as exhausted from leading the Justice Department in fighting the domestic war on terrorism since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Stress was a factor in Ashcroft's health problems earlier this year that resulted in removal of his gall bladder.


Ashcroft is expected to resign before Bush's Jan. 20 inauguration, said aides who spoke only on condition of anonymity. They said there is a small chance he would stay on, at least for a short time, if Bush asked him.


The attorney general has not officially informed his staff of his future plans, spokesman Mark Corallo said.


At a news conference, Bush said he hasn't made any decisions about his Cabinet.


Ashcroft, a former two-term governor and senator from Missouri, has long been a favorite among Bush's base of religious conservatives. He also is a lightning rod for Democrats and other critics on issues ranging from the anti-terrorism Patriot Act, which expanded rules for eavesdropping, to abortion rights and gun control.


Names that have been floated in recent weeks as a possible replacement include Ashcroft's former deputy, Larry Thompson, who would become the first black attorney general. Others include Marc Racicot, who was Bush's campaign manager, and White House general counsel Alberto Gonzalez, who would give Bush a notable Hispanic appointment.

[Patti]

This is truly one of the best things I've heard in a LOOOOOOONG time! Thanks for posting it.

[strandinthewind]

Originally Posted by Patti

This is truly one of the best things I've heard in a LOOOOOOONG time! Thanks for posting it.

It is widely accepted as true that Ashcroft will be the USSC nominee. Dear God - show us the way back

[dissention]

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

It is widely accepted as true that Ashcroft will be the USSC nominee. Dear God - show us the way back

And you know who they're going to replace Ashcroft with, right? Bush's campaign manager.

[gldstwmn]

What if the cure is worse than the disease?

[strandinthewind]

The rumor mill is "a spinnin'" and Ashcroft clearly is in the running - but I have it on fairly good authority that W wants to appoint the first hispanic USSC Justice, which Ashcroft clearly is not. So, we shall see.

Personally, I do not think W could get Ashcroft confirmed because no D would vote for him and some moderate R's in theory could break party lines.

[Patti]

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

The rumor mill is "a spinnin'" and Ashcroft clearly is in the running - but I have it on fairly good authority that W wants to appoint the first hispanic USSC Justice, which Ashcroft clearly is not. So, we shall see.

Personally, I do not think W could get Ashcroft confirmed because no D would vote for him and some moderate R's in theory could break party lines.

I don't think he would ever get confirmed. Good lord, I would WALK to DC to protest!

[GardenStateGirlie]

If he was smart, he'd resign before the 20th because I think he is one of the people who W is going to give the boot to.

[estranged4life]

John Ass-crack...Nice knowing ya (N-O-T!!!)

Brian "A Bush, An Ass-crack, A Dick & a Colon...Man, Does that mean America is really getting screwed or what???" j.