Leahy Invites Consultation With President
In Filling Attorney General Vacancy

WASHINGTON (Wednesday, Aug. 29) – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) Wednesday invited President Bush to consult with Senate leaders in choosing his nominee for the post of Attorney General. 

The text of Leahy’s letter to President Bush follows.  A PDF is also available.

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August 29, 2007 

The Honorable George W. Bush
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C.  20500

Dear Mr. President:

I look forward to working with you in your selection of a nominee to serve as the next Attorney General of the United States.  I hope that you will engage with Senate leadership and share your thoughts so that meaningful consultation can result and the Senate will be better able to fulfill its constitutional advice and consent role.  I am available to meet with you in Washington after Labor Day and urge that Senator Specter be included as well.   

There are a number of candidates any one of whom could be a unifying nominee and serve as an outstanding Attorney General.  Many have significant law enforcement experience and have demonstrated leadership ability.

Now that there will be a vacancy, we have a chance to work together so that your selection will unite the nation.  Bipartisan consultation can help achieve that goal.  We all want a Department of Justice worthy of its name and great tradition.  The American people we represent and serve expect no less.

Respectfully,

PATRICK LEAHY
Chairman         

cc:        The Honorable Arlen Specter
            Ranking Member