Colorado’s delegation in Congress welcomed the resignation of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, with Republicans and Democrats saying it was time for the top law enforcer to go.
“As one who called for Mr. Gonzales’ resignation months ago, I’m not shedding any tears over news of his departure,” said Rep. Tom Tancredo, a Littleton Republican. “I hope that President Bush will take this opportunity to replace Mr. Gonzales with someone who will actually demonstrate a commitment to enforcing our laws.”
Rep. Marilyn Musgrave, a Fort Morgan Republican who earlier this year wrote a letter to Gonzales asking him to consider stepping down, said, “I am pleased he has finally done so.”
Republican Sen. Wayne Allard had never called for Gonzales’ resignation, saying it was the president’s choice. But Monday he said that “by offering his resignation now, Alberto Gonzales has acted in the best interest of the nation.”
“After a contentious year at the Justice Department, the attorney general’s resignation seems to be fitting at this time,” Allard added.
Democrats in the delegation also cheered the move, with some criticizing Gonzales more than others.
Sen. Ken Salazar, former state attorney general who’s said that he considers Gonzales a friend, called for his resignation in May. Salazar endorsed Gonzales when he first was nominated, and introduced him at his Senate confirmation hearing.
“I’m delighted that he finally came to his senses and decided for the best interest of the Department of Justice it was time to step down.”
Asked whether he regretted that earlier endorsement, Salazar said it was based on what he knew about Gonzales at the time, and that he believed “he would have the backbone to be able to stand up to the president.”
During his tenure, Salazar said, Gonzales showed that “political influence was allowed to meddle with the Department of Justice.”
Asked whether he would support Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, who some believe will be the nominee to replace Gonzales, Salazar said Chertoff “is a good man.” Salazar said he knows Chertoff through their work together on immigration reform. But the senator said he’ll need more information before making a decision.
Rep. Mark Udall, an Eldorado Springs Democrat, said that “the American people need an attorney general who is honest and truthful. The resignation of Attorney General Gonzales, is, therefore, a welcome opportunity for president Bush to reach out in a bipartisan way and restore integrity and effective leadership to the Department of Justice.”
Democratic Reps. Ed Perlmutter of Golden and Diana DeGette of Denver both called the resignation “long overdue.”
“His lack of truth and candor to Congress and the American people has eroded public confidence in our justice system,” Perl mutter said.
“The attorney general has not only lost the confidence of Congress, but has also abused the trust of the American people,” DeGette said.
