"Cantwell demands Gonzales' resignation"

Seattle P-I:

Murray has not decided on course of action--Sen. Maria Cantwell demanded Wednesday that Attorney General Alberto Gonzales resign, saying his "appalling" firing of former U.S. Attorney John McKay and his evasive testimony have stripped him of his ability to serve effectively.

"I am convinced that Gonzales has not carried out his duties as attorney general with a blind eye and a balanced hand," Cantwell, a Washington Democrat, said in a statement. "He has served as the president's lawyer, not our nation's. Because of this, Alberto Gonzales must resign, and the president must accept his resignation immediately."

In asking Gonzales to resign, Cantwell joins a growing number of Democrats and Republicans who say he can no longer lead the nation's premier law enforcement agency. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., called on Gonzales last month to resign.

A spokeswoman for Sen. Patty Murray, meanwhile, said Murray has not yet demanded Gonzales' resignation. Spokeswoman Alex Glass said Murray voted against confirming Gonzales but is awaiting the results of an investigation into the firing of the U.S. attorneys before deciding what action to take.

Cantwell, who voted against confirming Gonzales in 2005, said she had trouble believing that President Bush's friend and former White House counsel could operate independently.

"I raised concerns about Gonzales when he was first nominated to this position, and nothing I have seen since then has convinced me that my fears were unjustified," she said.

"From supporting warrantless wiretapping, making decisions about the treatment of detainees at Guantanamo Bay, or firing U.S. attorneys, time and again Gonzales has shown he is more committed to the pursuit of a political agenda than the rule of law."

Cantwell added: "In reviewing both Gonzales' record as our attorney general and in reviewing his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, I have found evidence that he has routinely served political and ideological objectives, rather than the best interests of the nation."

While even Republicans abandon Gonzales, he retains Bush's support.

"The attorney general went up and gave a very candid assessment, and answered every question he could possibly answer, honestly answer,' " Bush said Monday, referring to Gonzales' April 19 appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Howie P.S.: Joe Conason goes even farther (or it further?), with "A Gonzales resignation is not enough."

Howie P.P.S.: In other human resources news about the Bush Administration, "John Edwards calls on Bush to fire Rove." Looking at the competence and integrity of this group, is there anyone who shouldn't be fired? Submit your nominations below.