Via Firedoglake:

The Republican party continues to put lockstep, craven ass-covering ahead of national interest when it comes to the Department of Justice. But this is simply, flat out, unacceptable:

Notwithstanding Mr. Gonzales’s assurances, other department officials said that, by several measurements, the work of the department has been severely disrupted by his troubles, especially in recent months. There are vacancies through the senior ranks….

Among the 93 United States attorneys, who serve as the chief federal prosecutors for their regions, there are 24 vacancies. The White House has announced nominations for only six of those offices, which means that several of the jobs may remain unfilled for the rest of the Bush administration. (emphasis mine)

This is not an approval from Congress problem – there simply have been no nominees put forward by the Bush Administration to fill the jobs. Out of the 24 open USAtty postitions, only six have potential nominees identified, none of whom have been sent up to the Hill as yet, only announced. This puts our nation at risk. Period. Read more...