Attorney General Alberto Gonzales Announces His Resignation

Because of our significant work with the Department of Justice over the past six years, we understand fully the important role that the Attorney General of the United States plays in our governmental process.  We have had the privilege of working alongside former Attorney General John Ashcroft at Regent University School of Law and our Law and Justice Institute.  General Ashcroft has shared his keen insight with our students and our lawyers, and the role he has played in shaping the next generation of lawyers has been invaluable. 

We were not surprised to learn today that Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has tendered his resignation to the President.  I have known and worked with General Gonzales for over six years.  With an administration that was not without controversy, General Gonzales advanced issues such as the prosecution of child pornography in an aggressive way.  The President now has an opportunity to appoint and nominate a new Attorney General who will serve for the remainder of the Presidents term.  There is much work to be done, as the role of Attorney General is pivotal.

Several names are being floated around as the possible replacement for Attorney General Gonzales.  Among the list include the current Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, with whom I have worked while he was at the Justice Department serving under John Ashcroft.  Secretary Chertoff is an excellent leader and has a firm grasp of the law.  Other names being considered are former Solicitor General of the United States Ted Olson and former Deputy Attorney General Larry Thompson.  I have also had the privilege of working closely with these tremendously gifted lawyers, who would serve the country well if nominated.  Ultimately, of course, this is the Presidents choice.  Under the Constitution, the President has the power to nominate and appoint; and then the Senate will serve its role with advice and consent.   

While it is too early to determine the nature of what a confirmation fight would look like, I would not be surprised, in this political system, if the nomination by the President would be met with significant opposition.  Our Office of Government Affairs has already been mobilized to be prepared for the next nomination battle.