Nominee Mukasey Must Demonstrate Commitment to Rule of Law

Statement of Alliance for Justice President Nan Aron on the Nomination of Michael Mukasey to Attorney General

"The nomination of Judge Michael Mukasey to the post of attorney general is a step in the right direction.  Thus far, he has shown independence and a willingness to stand up to this administration.  However, no nominee comes with the presumption of confirmation.  The Senate must scrutinize his record, and Judge Mukasey must provide meaningful answers to senators' questions.

"This nomination comes at a time when the Department of Justice is in disarray and has lost much respect both at home and abroad.  Judge Mukasey must guarantee that he can and will: adhere to the rule of law; balance national security concerns with rights and liberties; promote the nomination of fair and independent judges; put the interests of Americans ahead of the interests of the president; and cooperate with the United States Congress.

"The American people deserve, and the Senate must demand, an attorney general who will advance the rule of law, rather than this administration's political agenda."