You'll notice the resignation doesn't take effect until 9/17, so the AG slot is technically filled until then. So Bush could make a recess appointment after that, but if this was a plan why wouldn't they have had Abu Gonzales resign the day after congress left for vacation? Then they could have wrapped it all up while congress was away, this method doesn't leave them the same leverage.

No, this was unexpected just like Rove. These guys have either seen the writing on the wall and are jumping ship now, or their investigations are getting too close for comfort. The only other reason I could forsee is Cheney is ousting everyone not willing to attack Iran in preparation for doing so. That MF is just crazy enough to think it is worth it as a parting gift to the Middle East.

CNN, August 27

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Embattled U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has resigned, senior administration officials told CNN Monday.

President Bush is expected to make a statement about Gonzales at 11:30 a.m. from his ranch in Crawford, Texas, where he has been vacationing.

Gonzales' aides at the highest level and other top level officials knew nothing about the announcement in advance, Justice Department sources indicated to CNN.

They were not informed until a meeting this morning, sources said, when Gonzales acknowledged he would be reading a statement at 10:30 a.m.

Bush will likely nominate Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff to the position, senior administration officials said. Clay Johnson, deputy director for management at the Office of Management and Budget, would replace Chertoff, the officials said.

Its all a ruse. Disinfo everywhere. Really Ted Nugent has been acting AG all along, running the office from his home in Waxo, er, Waco.

"Suck On This" is the new department motto. That was a dead give away. That, and his tour schedule. Ever notice how he only plays gigs in battleground states?

and it's all clear now.

http://mauberly.blogspot.com/

Bush just announced that Clement has accepted the position of acting AG.

Agreed. I remember all the jokes about fascism and John Ashcroft, then we hear about that hospital visit and it only got worse! Though I even heard Lieberman's name bandied about as a replacement, I think at Digbys, so this Clement 9/17 appointment is disappointing.

But I disagree about the Dem Congress. There's plenty to hate and be ashamed of, but, as the Agonist has been pointing out, liberal groups need to put more pressure on them to make up for the lapses in the 90s, and a few more years of the emerging Progressive Majority have to occur before the Bush Dogs are tamed or primary-ed out.

Dupin - I live in Nevada, so hear a lot more about Reid. I guess I hoped for miracles, but with the majority having such a small lead, it's difficult to expect that. With Executive Orders and signing statements, it doesn't matter what Congress does.

Aside: As I type this, I'm watching AF1 land at Reno airport. Himself will be in town overnight, to address members of the American Legion. It is an impressive plane. When Bush was in Elko, NV last year, I happened to be there doing some work - I couldn't attend as I'm not a registered Republican, which pissed me off. He's still my President, no matter what party I belong to, no matter my likes or dislikes. I felt rather "disenfranchised." I cracked up when I heard that particular E.O. - all men attending were to wear cowboy or hard hats.