Senate Republicans blocked a symbolic no-confidence vote against Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales on Monday evening, dismissing the measure as an irrelevant gesture, though Democrats had hoped it might intensify pressure on Mr. Gonzales to resign.
The Democrats had sought a showdown that would force Mr. Gonzales to retreat or President Bush to abandon his support of the attorney general, who has come under strong criticism from both parties for the dismissals of federal prosecutors and recent disclosures about partisanship in hiring at the Justice Department.
Instead, the Democrats’ effort failed in a procedural step that fell seven votes short of the 60 needed to end debate and move to a vote on the resolution. The vote was 53 to 38. Most of the Senate’s 48 Republicans voted against the motion, but 7 voted to proceed. No Democrats voted against the motion.
I can’t decide whether I like Gonzo staying in place to put the eclamation point at the end of the most incompetent, unprincipled, and unscrupulous administration of my lifetime, or if it actually would make a difference were he to be replaced. Regardless, you have to wonder what kind of goods Gonzo has on Bush in order for the DECIDER to keep this boob in place.
Alternate Working Title:
“Come back here and take what’s coming to you. I’ll bite your legs off!”
“I’m Not Dead Yet. I Think I Will Go For A Walk”Post + Comments (35)