I've been thinking about that, too, beginning with Rove's resignation. I suspected that there might be a connection between the Siegelman case in Georgia (that has Rove's fingerprints all over it) and the rest of the USAttorneys scandal, and I read somewhere that the DOJ was actually investigating what happened to Siegelman.

That could certainly implicate both Rove and Gonzales, while neatly tying the two scandals together into a neat package with a big loud label: Voting Fraud!!! Conspiracy!!!

Considering its importance to our entire way of life, Voting Fraud has been completely under-investigated. Both elections, in 2000 and 2004, suffered significant irregularities.

The entire Republican Party is corrupted root and branch. There are almost no "independent" Republicans. Look how they stick with the President on the war even in the face of the war's overwhelming unpopularity. They are committing political hari kari over this and they know it, yet they continue to support the President down the line. They have left the world of rational self-interest. Just how, then, do you expect to find someone, anyone, who will "look into the administration's law breaking?"

The most important criteria would be whether the potential nominee will prosecute contempt of Congress cases in the face of White House objections. Do you think there is a Republican out there that would do that? And what if they said they would during confirmation hearings and then turned around and refused to carry through?

I have no hope that Gonzales' leaving is going to change a thing.

for the next day or two. The gang obviously is slipping something under the door while we're all focused on Gonzo. And it's gotta be something really big.

So if Bush breaks his agreement, and officially or unofficially (reset the "clock" multiple times with a "temporary" crony in the position) installs a "recess" Attorney General, how in the world would Reid "retaliate"?

Bush has no intention of allowing independence in the DOJ. Reid will bluster about yet one more broken promise by the administration. Investigations will disolve into the ether. Business as usual.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,294759,00.html

Alberto Gonzales: 'I Have Lived the American Dream'
Monday, August 27, 2007
FOX NEWS

WASHINGTON — Attorney General Alberto Gonzales announced his resignation Monday morning before reporters at the Justice Department. He did not answer questions. Below is the transcript of his remarks:

Good morning.

Thirteen years ago I entered public service to make a positive difference in the lives of others. And during this time I have traveled a remarkable journey, from my home state of Texas to Washington, D.C., supported by the unwavering love and encouragement of my wife, Rebecca, and our sons Jared, Graham and Gabriel.

Yesterday I met with President Bush and informed him of my decision to conclude my government service as attorney general of the United States effective as of September 17th, 2007.

Let me say that it's been one of my greatest privileges to lead the Department of Justice. I have great admiration and respect for the men and women who work here. I have made a point as attorney general to personally meet as many of them as possible, and today I want to again thank them for their service to our nation.

It is through their continued work that our country and our communities remain safe, that the rights and civil liberties of our citizens are protected, and the hopes and dreams of all of our children are secured.

I also remind our fellow citizens that we live in the greatest country in the world and that I have lived the American dream. Even my worst days as attorney general have been better than my father's best days.

Public service is honorable and noble. And I am profoundly grateful to President Bush for his friendship and for the many opportunities he has given me to serve the American people.

Thank you, and God bless America.

- - Albert Gonzales

No AG, No SEC, the Federal Reserve Chief in his pocket, the war on terror thoroughly privatized, at twice the cost to accomplish half the benefits. A group of handpicked generals to run the war in Iraq. The rubber stamp Congress in recess. Life is good for George Bush.

From back in March:

At the same time, the president will be prepared if Gonzales steps aside. Republicans close to the White House continued to discuss potential replacements, including John Danforth, an Episcopal minister and former Republican senator from Missouri. "I think it is going to come down to who is willing to take the job," said an official close to the process.

Among the names floated Monday by administration officials were Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and White House anti-terrorism coordinator Frances Townsend. Former Deputy Attorney General Larry Thompson is a White House prospect. So is former solicitor general Theodore B. Olson, but sources were unsure whether he would want the job.

On Monday night, Republican officials said two other figures who are being seriously considered are Securities and Exchange Committee Chairman Chris Cox, who is former chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee and is popular with conservatives; and former Attorney General William P. Barr, who served under President George H.W. Bush from 1991 to 1993 and is now general counsel of Verizon Communications.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0307/3202.html

The acting attorney general with be Solicitor General Paul Clement. He "can stay in that position for quite a while," a senior administration official said. [...]
An administration official explained: An individual may serve in an acting capacity for 210 days. However, if there is a pending nominee, the 210 day "clock" starts again when a nominee is announced. The 210 day "clock" would restart again if the nominee is voted down. The clock stops when there's a nominee, and restarts with a new 210 days if the nomination is withdrawn or fails. -- Allen via Glenn Greenwald

A few letter writers above indicated that something along these lines strikes them as the most likely Administration move, and I tend to agree with them. It would leave the Democrats in Congress huffing & puffing against a blatant offense that is, yet again, too nebulous for the media to present accurately -- as a significant offense against the bases of our form of government.

But, like casual_observer, I wish I understood: Why both of them just now? Why Rove and then Gonzales in rapid succession during the recess? The only thing that comes immediately to mind is that it allowed them to minimize the amount of media coverage that Congressional Dems could squeeze out of the events. Given the constant-campaign worldview that dominates this administration, I can see how that would weigh in their decision-making. Also, during the recess our legislators will have spent a few weeks outside the Beltway, facing input from regional influences such as....... voters. They may be uppity & independent and clever & energetic for a few weeks thereafter. So, if it were to be done.... it were best done quickly?