Bush Nominates Chertoff for Homeland Post

[BBradley]

By MARK SHERMAN, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - Michael Chertoff, President Bush (news - web sites)'s choice to run the Homeland Security Department, has won Senate confirmation on three prior occasions, but not since the anti-terrorism policies he helped develop have come under sharp criticism.

Chertoff is expected to win Senate approval again, but only after pointed questioning about his role in crafting the USA Patriot Act, which greatly expanded the government's surveillance and detention powers since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and other decisions that led to the arrest and lengthy jailing of hundreds of foreigners.

Critics say the administration has eroded civil liberties in its post-Sept. 11 actions. The American Civil Liberties Union (news - web sites) said Chertoff seemed to view the Bill of Rights "as an obstacle to national security rather than a guidebook for how to do security properly."

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=544&ncid=703&e=1&u=/ap/20050112/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush_cabinet

[proudbluestater]

1. Read all about it, or part of it

While Chertoff has garnered support from King and Schumer, New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton has not endorsed him. She told reporters in New York Tuesday that Chertoff had called her office and that she plans to set up a meeting.

Clinton said she would reserve judgment. "The director of homeland security is a very important player when it comes to the security of New York," she said.

Clinton and Chertoff have a history because of his role as special counsel during the Whitewater probe. Clinton was the only senator to oppose Chertoff's nomination as a federal judge to the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals.

Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Manhattan) Tuesday raised the issue of Chertoff's role in the partisan hearings.

"The nomination of a figure who was so partisan in the 1990s leaves some doubt that he will be able or willing to work with Democrats on our ideas for better national security," Maloney said.

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ny-ushome0112,0,7680639.story?coll=ny-top-headlines

[dave123williams]

2. He's been around DC forever, and has the reputation of being very smart.

Very, very smart.

[Moderator]

3. duplicate topic, please discuss here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x1140985