Alberto Gonzales is out but will the next US Attorney general be able to get along with Congress any better?
Some wondered how Gonzales lasted so long, others thought his loyalty to the president meant he could stay as long as he wanted.
UW Political scientist Charles Franklin says apparently he did stay as long as he wanted.
Franklin says, if Homeland Security Chief Michael Chertoff is the chosen successor, he would be a good choice for the White House because he's a known commodity and he would continue the focus on Homeland Security at the Justice Department.
Franklin says while Congress will be happy to have just about anyone as Attorney General other than Gonzales, confirmation hearings for Chertoff will still be tricky. Chertoff's record on Katrina recovery, terrorists and domestic wire tapping will certainly be part of any confirmation hearing.
But the president has another option. Make a recess appointment and avoid any confrontation with the some frustrated senators. The president could name an interim Attorney General to fill out the remaining months of his administration.