From AP:
WASHINGTON - Republicans blocked the Senate's no-confidence vote on Attorney General Alberto Gonzales Monday, turning back a symbolic Democratic effort to prod him from office despite blistering criticism from lawmakers in both parties.
The 53-38 vote to move the resolution to full debate fell seven short of the 60 required. In bringing the matter up, Democrats dared Republicans to vote their true feelings about an attorney general who has alienated even the White House's strongest defenders by bungling the firings of federal prosecutors and claiming not to recall the details.
Republicans did not defend him, but most voted against moving the resolution ahead.
Short of impeachment, Congress has no authority to oust a Cabinet member, but Democrats were trying anew to give him a push. Gonzales dismissed the rhetorical ruckus on Capitol Hill, and President Bush continued to stand by his longtime friend and legal adviser.
This is a breaking news update. Check back soon for further information...
Update: The Republicans voting in favor were:
Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME)
Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME)
Sen. John Sununu (R-NH)
Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR)
Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA)
Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE)
Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN)
Update 2: A statement out from the Justice Department:
“The Attorney General remains focused on the important issues that the American people expect him to address: securing our country from terrorism, protecting our neighborhoods from gangs and drugs, shielding our children from predators and pedophiles, and protecting the public trust by prosecuting public corruption. With so many pressing issues facing our country such as the threat of terrorism and the danger posed by gangs and violent criminals, we look forward to continuing to work with Congress to identify appropriate solutions to address these issues.”
UPDATE 3: Complete roll call vote is HERE.
I commend the 7 GOPs that stepped over the barriers..
4 comments:
What an example for the next generation. Now it's legal to lie under oath and commit crimes if your friends of the White House crime family. Attorney's should flood the court with appeals if their clients lied under oath. Monica let us know who can get a job even if the person isn't qualified for the job. Gonzales will be worthless in office as who can believe a word he says anymore. People wonder why God's not blessing America well this action should answer that question.
I'm speechless...an rouge AG that gets away with it. No indeed, this wasn't the justice system they taught me in college-or Gonzo judging by the WaPo ad! HA
Good, I'm glad I'm not the only one going brain dead. I think you are right. Lieberman needs to be outsourced to the Middle East and his rear end stamped with the words: "no admittance."
Of course the GOP would save him.
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