Dismissals of the US Attorney Controversy
On December 7, 2006, President Bush administration initiated unprecedented dismissals of seven of the United States Attorneys. Under the provision of the 2005 Patriot Act reauthorization, they were replaced by interim appointees. The dismissals of the US attorneys, has become an ongoing political dispute. All the dismissed attorneys were appointed by the President Bush 4 years ago with the confirmation of the senate. The controversy began in congress in January 2007 and soon picked up receiving nationwide attention by March 2007.Allegations of using the US attorney positions for political advantage have been raised against the White House and the Department of Justice. Congressional investigations have been focused on these matters. Some of the attorney dismissals are thought to have been done in order to impede investigations of the Republican politicians and some were targeted for the failure to initiate investigation against the Democrats in order to damage their image. The exact reasons are unknown.
Contradictory statements and documents have emerged from several administration officials.
According to many critics, the scandal has undermined the integrity of the department of Justice and the non partisan tradition of the US attorneys. Many congressmen have asked for the resignation of the Attorney General. Five senior officials of the Department of Justice have resigned as of June 15 2007. US Attorney General dismissed the issue as an “overblown personal matter” stating that the US attorneys “serve at the pleasure of the President”.
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