It’s Mukasey?

Well, the WaPo seems to think so, anyway:

By Michael Abramowitz and Dan Eggen

Washington Post Staff Writers
Sunday, September 16, 2007; Page A02

Michael B. Mukasey, a former federal judge regarded as an expert on national security issues, has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Alberto R. Gonzales as attorney general, several conservatives close to the White House said yesterday.

The sources said that President Bush is close to announcing his nominee, possibly doing so as early as tomorrow, and that Mukasey has vaulted to the top over other contenders, including former solicitor general Theodore B. Olson, whose chances may have been damaged after the Senate’s top Democrat vowed to block his confirmation.

Personally, I would consider the idea of putting Olson in on a recess appointment.  Also, as I suggested yesterday, it’s about time the republican started laying down the law, credit ministration; no appointments make it through.  None. I would make the case that if you’re going to have a fight in the senate over this kind of thing, right now time to have it.

And I have my doubts, to be honest with you, about anybody that Charles Schumer, who is easily one of the most contemptible individuals in politics today, likes. It’s like I’ve always said, when your enemy goes well out of his way to agree with you, it’s time to seriously reexamine your position.

Mukasey would probably enjoy the crucial support of Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), who has frequently mentioned him as a good choice to replace Gonzales and reiterated that view in conversations with White House counsel Fred F. Fielding. Schumer’s backing, though, could prompt concern among conservatives, along with Mukasey’s inclusion on a 2005 list of possible Supreme Court nominees suggested by a liberal group, the Alliance for Justice.

But once again, the president will doubtless in an effort to be seen as accommodating, will once again bend over forward for the Democrats. (Sigh)

I’ll say it again, friends, Bush is no conservative, merely a centerist. Given the choices at the time, he was by far the better one. That doesn’t mean I have to like it when he leans left.