>>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 11/17/04 4:23 PM >>> NY Times, November 17, 2004 Leading Democrat Senator Won't Block Confirmation of Gonzales By DAVID STOUT WASHINGTON, Nov. 17 - President Bush's nominee for attorney general, Alberto R. Gonzales, was all but guaranteed Senate confirmation today when a leading Democrat expressed fondness for the nominee and signaled that he would not stand in his way. "I like him," Senator Patrick J. Leahy of Vermont, the leading Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said today after a closed meeting with Mr. Gonzales, whom he has known as White House counsel. <<<<<>>>>>
no surprise re. above, leahy helped confirm all but a couple of bush's 100 or so appt's during time he was judiciary chair - from when vermont's jeffords became independent in spring 2001 until 2002 elections when reps regained senate control... one ostensible 'lesson' dems have learned from 2004 election is do not filibuster, some believe that daschle lost his seat because of this.. dems only blocked a few appts, compare to reps and clinton appts, they held up so many that number of vacancies led rehnquist to complain about stalling tactics... below is different view of gonzalez: November 14, 2004 A CALL FOR FULL SENATORIAL INQUIRY AND INVESTIGATION OF ALBERTO GONZALEZ To: ALL MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE A petition to immediately, and without delay, open an investigation into the history and character of Alberto Gonzales to determine his qualifications and suitability for the position of U.S. Attorney General. We, the undersigned citizens of the United States, find Alberto Gonzalez an unacceptable candidate for Attorney General of the United States for the following reasons and wish you to pursue an investigation relative to: -Alberto Gonzales' involvement with the Abu Ghraib prison scandal, in which Mr.Gonzales did advise the President and direct the Pentagon to disregard international treaties like the Geneva Convention and to conduct war in violation of International and Federal law; -Alberto Gonzales' involvement with Vice-President Cheney's Energy Commission meetings, whereby through Mr.Gonzalez' efforts, such meetings have been kept secret and out of the scrutiny of the public eye; -Alberto Gonzales' knowledge of the leaking of CIA Agent Valerie Plame's name to the public in violation of Federal law, whereby no resolution or discovery has been provided despite clear cut lines of investigation; -Alberto Gonzales' history of accepting contributions from large corporations such as Enron and Halliburton for his political efforts, and the subsequent overturning of legal cases in favor of said companies. It is further noted that Mr. Gonzalez was counsel to Enron for a period of approximately 13 years, and that said company is now bankrupt and accused of fraud and misconduct; -Alberto Gonzales' record as Chief Legal Counsel to then Texas Governor, George W. Bush. As a primary advisor to the Governor on the subject of Capital Punishment, we use as an example the State Execution of Terry Washington. Mr. Washington was a 33-year old mentally challenged man with the communication skills of a 7-year old boy. Alberto Gonzales failed to advise then Governor Bush that Mr. Washington's trial lawyer did NOT enlist a mental-health expert on Washington's behalf, in which he was entitled under a 1985 Supreme Court ruling. Mr. Gonzalez repeatedly and consistently failed to provide to the Governor all the necessary facts and relevant information required to render decisions in over one hundred death-penalty cases; -Finally, Mr. Gonzalez has never tried a civil or criminal case and does not have the prerequisite experience to perform the duties of Attorney General of the United States. We, the people, require an Attorney General who will be fair, competent, one who is without extremist and partisan views, and will serve at the will of the people. The Attorney General must uphold the law and not be subject to conflicts of interest with corporations and other special interests groups. This request for investigation of the facts listed above brings Mr. Gonzales' ability to assume the position of U.S. Attorney General into serious question. We, the undersigned, request that our elected Representatives act in accordance with the Constitution of the United States of America in a legal, impartial, and expedient manner, holding an open hearing and review before the people of the United States, on the nomination of Alberto Gonzales to the position of U.S. Attorney General. We feel it is our patriotic duty to request such action from you and that you as our elected officials, have a duty to respond fully in a timely, responsible manner. -------------------------------------------------------------- Please Note: Due to Florida's very broad public records law, most written communications to or from College employees regarding College business are public records, available to the public and media upon request. Therefore, this e-mail communication may be subject to public disclosure.
