Bush to Appoint Gonzales Successor

Mukasey retired last year as Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

He previously served as a federal prosecutor.

News reports Sunday quoted Republican sources as saying that Mukasey emerged as a frontrunner for the position after opposition Democrats voiced strong disapproval of two other candidates.

Once nominated, Mukasey must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, where Democrats hold a majority.

Former Attorney General Gonzales submitted his resignation late last month, ending a standoff between Mr. Bush and lawmakers who called for Gonzales to resign.

Gonzales was criticized by Democrats and some Republicans for his handling of the firing of eight federal prosecutors. Critics said the firings were politically motivated. Gonzales denied the charge. - VOA News