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Bush names new attorney general Bush names new attorney general
(10 minutes later)
US President George W Bush has named retired federal judge Michael Mukasey as his replacement for outgoing US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. US President George W Bush has named retired federal judge Michael Mukasey as the replacement for outgoing US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.
Mr Mukasey has presided over a number of high-profile terror trials and is seen as a conservative, analysts say.Mr Mukasey has presided over a number of high-profile terror trials and is seen as a conservative, analysts say.
Mr Gonzales announced his resignation last month amid accusations that he sacked eight lawyers for political reasons - charges he denies.Mr Gonzales announced his resignation last month amid accusations that he sacked eight lawyers for political reasons - charges he denies.
The president's nomination for attorney general must be approved by the Senate.The president's nomination for attorney general must be approved by the Senate.
If confirmed, he will be President Bush's third attorney general. Mr Bush urged the Senate to act quickly. If confirmed, Mr Mukasey will be his third attorney general.
'Clear-eyed''Clear-eyed'
Mr Bush said Mr Mukasey, 66, had the right qualifications for the job and was "clear-eyed about the threat our nation faces".Mr Bush said Mr Mukasey, 66, had the right qualifications for the job and was "clear-eyed about the threat our nation faces".
"The attorney general has an especially vital role to play in a time of war, when we face the challenge of protecting our people on a daily basis from deadly enemies, while at the same time protecting our freedom. Mr Bush has continued to support Alberto Gonzales"The attorney general has an especially vital role to play in a time of war, when we face the challenge of protecting our people on a daily basis from deadly enemies, while at the same time protecting our freedom.
"Judge Mukasey brings impressive credentials to this task," he said."Judge Mukasey brings impressive credentials to this task," he said.
Correspondents say Mr Mukasey, who is from New York, could be an acceptable choice for both Republicans and Democrats in Congress. Before shaking hands with the president, Mr Mukasey said he was honoured to have been nominated to head the justice department.
"My finest hope and prayer at this time is that if confirmed I can give them the support and the leadership they deserve."
He also said he looked forward to working with Congress to "meet the nation's challenges".
Correspondents say that by choosing a man who has the reputation for being a conservative but non-partisan judge, Mr Bush appears to have avoided another confrontation with the majority Democrats.
Mr Gonzales officially steps down from his post on Monday.Mr Gonzales officially steps down from his post on Monday.
Although Mr Bush accepted his resignation, he has continued to support Mr Gonzales, saying: "His good name was dragged through the mud for political reasons."Although Mr Bush accepted his resignation, he has continued to support Mr Gonzales, saying: "His good name was dragged through the mud for political reasons."