|
White House touts Mukasey’s record on terrorism |
|
By Klaus Marre
|
|
Posted: 09/17/07 10:41 AM [ET] |
|
President Bush on Monday announced former federal judge Michael Mukasey as his pick to run the Department of Justice and the White House touted Mukasey’s experience in terrorism cases. Mukasey presided over a 1995 trial of 10 individuals who had been accused of planning terrorist attacks in New York City. The trial ended with two men being sentenced to life in prison. The White House said the decision required Mukasey “to keep armed guards with him for protection.” As a federal judge, Mukasey also ruled that the Bush administration had the right to hold Jose Padilla as an enemy combatant without charging him, but granted a motion that allowed Padilla to meet with his attorneys, the White House said. “Judge Mukasey’s record of rulings in national security cases and experience as a criminal prosecutor make him exceptionally qualified to serve as our nation’s chief law enforcement officer,” the White House said. The nomination of Mukasey is seen as a nod to Democrats, who have indicated that they would fight the nomination of a candidate they view as partisan. Democrats charged that former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has done great damage to the Department of Justice by being too close to the White House and politicizing his department. The White House on Monday touted Mukasey’s “fresh perspective” and “non-political background.” |
