Justice Dept. now can’t fill U.S. attorney spots.

[babylonsister]

Ain't karma a bitch!


http://thinkprogress.org/2007/05/25/justice-dept-now-cant-fill-us-attorney-spots/

Justice Dept. now can’t fill U.S. attorney spots.

“The Bush administration’s decision to fire nine U.S. attorneys last year has created a new problem for the White House: The controversy appears to be discouraging applications for some of the 22 prosecutor posts that President Bush needs to fill.”

Of the nation’s 93 U.S. attorneys, 22 are serving without Senate confirmation as interim or acting prosecutors. They represent districts in Alaska, Arizona, California, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, West Virginia and Washington.

White House spokesman Tony Fratto said the administration is committed to nominating candidates for all 22 open positions, but so far the administration has submitted only four nominees.

In Florida, the panel that’s evaluating candidates and making recommendations to the White House has received only two applicants for the vacancy left by U.S. Attorney Paul Perez in Tampa - even after it extended the May 3 deadline to apply.

[MADem]

1. Gee, I wonder why? The prospect of working seven day weeks, long long hours,

and, at any given moment, having a cattle prod shoved up your ass, doesn't appeal???

Why, ah'm SHAWKED! Ah truly am!

[peacetalksforall]

4. And imagine if an Abramoff connected Congressperson is in

your jurisdiction? And what if your area is targeted for caging or vote stealing? Man, they have so many problems that we should probably feel sorry for them. (with all due sarcasm)

[Kagemusha]

2. Too bad they actually need to get senate confirmation now, isn't it?

Such a painful dilemma. Hmm maybe they shouldn't have messed around with it all in the first place.

[Igel]

6. And can you imagine the hellish grilling any nominee would get?

Anybody that * would be likely to nominate, the judiciary committee would be very glad to dress ... for roasting.

Politics, of course, would have no bearing on it. But the committee would make sure they were politically acceptable.

[originalpckelly]

8. The Patriot Act provision is still law.

At least as far as I can find.

It was cleared to the White House on 5/22/07. Bush hasn't signed it, if he vetoes it, that might be a signal of darker days to come.

[Kagemusha]

10. Ah, I remember now. I was amazed that Bush agreed he'd sign it

If he turns around and goes "Psyche!" and vetoes, it'll be a big shock on the Hill. Not saying he won't, but my recollection is that the WH officially stopped fighting the provision. For what that's worth.

[rucky]

15. I'm sure they're holding off for a slew of recess appointments.

That oughta hold 'em for awhile. Meanwhile, courts'll be packed with rubber-stamp Boltons.

[marmar]

3. Once these freaks finally leave office, our government will be in ruins....

:hurts:

[BlooInBloo]

5. What Clinton DIDN'T do to the White House upon leaving....

... is precisely what gw IS DOING to the entire government years before he leaves.

[originalpckelly]

7. So I guess that Patriot Act provision worked pretty damn well didn't it?

22? Wow! That's a lot!

They probably won't be confirmed for the duration of however long Bush thinks he can stay in office.

I doubt it's a lack of applicants, but rather a plan on the part of the Bush Administration to avoid confirmation hearings for their US Attorney spots.

[originalpckelly]

9. Remember: The Patriot Act provision is still law, the President hasn't signed...

the amendment to that law.

He has ten days from the 22nd of May to sign it or veto it, or it will automatically become law.

[L. Coyote]

16. And, any appointments under that law are permanent, for all practical purposes

in that the "interim" provisions of the previous appointment process do not apply. This is why Griffin is still in!

[133724]

11. Who wants to spend $100K on a law degree

and Bar exam; only to be disbarred by bushco....

Most attorneys I know make over $200K per year...

the numbers just do not add up....

[Ilsa]

12. Decent, law-abiding officers of the court don't want to be connected

with these liars and thugs. They are better off working for the mafia than the Bush Admin.

[Decruiter]

13. Whoops! How did that happen? Job security? Morals? How about just

RULE OF LAW?

Rich, just rich.

[krispos42]

14. Don't worry, Regents University is just days away from graduation

Then there'll be a huge new crop of super-qualified legal-eagles to eagerly take those spots!!!!