Democrats, who have argued that Gonzales politicized the Department of Justice, had threatened to stop the nomination of controversial nominees. The choice of Mukasey is seen as a move by Bush to appease them.

The White House on Monday touted Mukasey’s “fresh perspective” and “non-political background.”

“Judge Mukasey has strong professional credentials and a reputation for independence,” Reid said. “A man who spent 18 years on the federal bench surely understands the importance of checks and balances and knows how to say no to the president when he oversteps the Constitution.”

However, the Senate leader cautioned against a “rush to judgment,” adding that Mukasey would have to undergo the confirmation process, during which his views would be examined.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) said his panel would “approach consideration of the nomination of an attorney general in a serious and deliberate fashion.”

Leahy added that the committee would move forward in gathering information for the confirmation process and urged White House cooperation.

“The next attorney general needs to be someone who can begin the process of restoring the Department of Justice to its proper mission,” Leahy said. “I am hopeful that once we obtain the information we need and we have had the opportunity to consider the nomination, we will be able to make progress in this regard.”