Hillary Clinton Opposes Mukasey Confirmation

By Jeralyn, Section Hillary Clinton
Posted on Tue Oct 30, 2007 at 01:52:02 PM EST
Tags: Michael Mukasey (all tags)

Share This: Digg!

Hillary Clinton released this statement today, opposing the nomination of Michael Mukasey for Attorney General.

We need an Attorney General who has the strength to challenge this Administration when it is wrong, who is committed to reestablishing the independence of the Department of Justice and to restoring respect for the Constitution and the rule of law. I am deeply troubled by Judge Mukasey’s continued unwillingness to clearly state his views on torture and unchecked Executive power.

The Attorney General is the chief defender of the rule of law in our country. After Alberto Gonzales's troubled tenure, we cannot send a signal that the next Attorney General in any way condones torture or believes that the President is unconstrained by law. When we leave any doubt about our nation’s policy on torture, we send a terrible message to the rest of the world.

More....

Judge Mukasey has been given ample opportunity – both at his confirmation hearings and in his subsequent submission to the Judiciary Committee – to clarify his answers and categorically oppose the unacceptable interrogation techniques employed by this Administration. His failure to do so leaves me no choice but to oppose his nomination.

We need to restore the nation’s confidence in the Department of Justice. The Department must once again defend our Constitution and the rule of law without regard to ideology and partisanship. And we need to protect the country from terrorism while also respecting Americans’ civil liberties.

< Congress Passes Moratorium on Internet Access Fees | Clear Channel Drops Bruce Springsteen's New Album >

Legal

Nothing on this site should be construed as legal advice. TalkLeft does not give legal advice.

TalkLeft is not responsible for and often disagrees with material posted in the comments section. Read at your own risk.

Hillary Clinton Opposes Mukasey Confirmation | 3 comments (3 topical)

Readers Must Login or Create an Account to Comment

A. F. T. (none / 0) (#1)
by scribe on Tue Oct 30, 2007 at 02:47:56 PM EST

Where's the call for a special prosecutor? (none / 0) (#2)
by Johnbo on Tue Oct 30, 2007 at 03:54:21 PM EST

I don't get it. Why hasn't ONE Democrat asked Mukasey to appoint special prosecutors to pursue the numerous crimes and contempt charges against Gonzales, Rove, Meirs etc, etc, That requirement should LEAD the list. No prosecutors or promises to pursue contempt charges, no appointment. End of discussion.

Since Mukasey looks like toast, this requirement should be the first question for the new candidate. The ONLY way we're ever going to get accountability is in a court of law.

Of course she opposes it (none / 0) (#3)
by Satya1 on Tue Oct 30, 2007 at 04:38:10 PM EST

Dodd and Obama announced their opposition yesterday and Sen. Clinton is simply showing us her "bold leadership style" by following after them yet again.

A salute to Dodd for showing the way.