Posted on 11/08/2004 6:22:20 PM PST by ambrose
Bill Pryor to replace Ashcroft?
Monday, November 08, 2004
Editor's note: "The Political Skinny" is an inside look at Alabama politics prepared by the staff of the Mobile Register. The column is compiled by Political Editor Jim Van Anglen, who can be reached at :jvananglen@mobileregister.com or 251-219-5608.
Even before last Tuesday's election, speculation was running rampant about who might fill top jobs in a second Bush administration. Among those mentioned for U.S. attorney general: Mobile native and former Alabama Attorney General Bill Pryor.
Publications ranging from The National Journal, a respected political weekly in Washington, D.C., to The Guardian newspaper in London have described Pryor as a candidate to replace U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, whom some expect to leave after almost four years in the job.
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Pryor, now serving temporarily as a judge on the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, declined to comment Friday. Last year, Democrats in the U.S. Senate blocked his nomination to a lifetime appeals court slot, arguing that he is too ideological to make an even-handed judge.
Republican insiders disagree about whether Pryor is a serious contender for the nation's top law enforcement job, with some labeling the prospect unlikely. In any case, U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Mobile, said last week that he intends to talk to President Bush about renominating Pryor for a permanent seat on the 11th Circuit.
As it happens, when Bush was first seeking the presidency in 2000, Sessions was mentioned as a possible U.S. attorney general. His name hasn't come up this time, and Sessions himself seems to be ruling out that option. "I expect to remain as a senator from Alabama," he said Friday through a spokesman.
(Excerpt) Read more at al.com ...
It won't happen.
I kinda figured Giuliani would have been a good replacement for Ashcroft. I don't care for Rudy's pro-abort and anti-gun positions, but he's got a long and impressive record on law & order.
I guess they have something else planned for Rudy - taking down our infamous carbetbagger perhaps?
It better not happen or the Republicans can kiss a LOT of conservatives goodbye.
I'd be absolutely shocked if Pryor ended up AG.
He's a better choice than Richard Pryor.
I'd place my bets on Giuliani for the position.
First, he was known in New York as being strong against crime. That is the type of person needed for Homeland Security.
In addition, he is a rising figure in the Republican Party who was personally hit hard by 9/11 and involved in its aftermath. He is tied to fighting terrorism. He is more or less a shoe-in for the position.
Mudbone for Attorney General!
Yeah, Richard already went up in flames.
It's unlikely, but we could do worse. Pryor was wrongfully pilloried by some conservatives for doing what the law required.
Pryor was right about having to remove Moore. He'd be a good pick, I think.
Just a very far out thought....but I'd like to see Judge Moore from Alabama mentioned as Attorney General.
Can you imagine the screams and howls from the left? It'd be fun just to watch.
One of the names that went through my mind too.
that is funny....
Why? We now have 55 senators. Quite few red state DemocRATS will be anxious not to be the next Daschle.
Conservatives Goodbye?
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