Friday, November 02, 2007

Breaking: Leahy won't support Mukasky's AG nomination.





CNN:

Story Highlights

Sen. Patrick Leahy says he will not vote to confirm Michael Mukasey
Leahy's decision could derail Mukasey's attorney general nomination
Judiciary Committee chairman say he is troubled by waterboarding answers

MONTPELIER, Vermont (AP) -- The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee said Friday he won't support Attorney General nominee Michael Mukasey, potentially derailing his confirmation over complaints that he hasn't taken a full enough stand against torture.

"No American should need a classified briefing to determine whether waterboarding is torture," said Sen. Patrick J. Leahy, D-Vermont. He planned an afternoon news conference to make the announcement in Burlington.
Sliding support among the panel's Democrats makes it less likely the full Senate will vote to send Mukasey to a Justice Department that has been leaderless for weeks.

Four Democrats on Leahy's panel, which will decide Tuesday whether to approve Mukasey's confirmation, have already said they will not support him.

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