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U.S. Federal Prosecutor McNulty Named Deputy Attorney General (Bush Playing Clinton Games?)
WSJ ^

Posted on 10/21/2005 10:12:30 PM PDT by indianrightwinger

U.S. Federal Prosecutor McNulty Named Deputy Attorney General Associated Press October 21, 2005 10:49 p.m.

WASHINGTON -- Paul McNulty, a federal prosecutor in Virginia, was chosen Friday by President George W. Bush to serve as the No. 2 Justice Department official, following the withdrawal of a nominee who faced questions about his business ties.

As the U.S. Attorney in Alexandria, Va., since 2001, Mr. McNulty has prosecuted several high-profile terrorism cases. Earlier this year, Mr. McNulty's office obtained a guilty plea from Zacarias Moussaoui, who admitted to conspiring with the Sept. 11 hijackers and now could face the death penalty.

His nomination as deputy Attorney General must be confirmed by the Senate, but the White House announcement said he would serve in an acting capacity until then. The post has been vacant since James Comey resigned in August.

Mr. Bush's previous nominee for deputy Attorney General, Timothy E. Flanigan, withdrew his nomination in early October, citing uncertainty over when he would be confirmed. Senators complained that Mr. Flanigan lacked prosecutorial experience and also questioned his dealings with indicted Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Mr. McNulty, 47 years old, is well-known on Capitol Hill. He served as spokesman for House Judiciary Committee Republicans during the impeachment of President Bill Clinton. He later directed the Bush transition team for the Justice Department and worked in the deputy's office until Mr. Bush appointed him to the prosecutor's job in Virginia.

(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...


TOPICS: Government; News/Current Events; US: Virginia
KEYWORDS: actingaj; deputyaj; doj; paulmcnulty
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To: Lancey Howard

Thanks for the advice. I fear backlash sometimes because I am new. It has happened a few times.

BTW, I was only asking a deeper question about the constitionality of any appointment that does not have Senate ratification or Recess appointment.

The only abuse I am aware of was Bill Clinton's when he took a sure-to-be-defeated nominee and planted permanently as an acting at the DoJ.


21 posted on 10/21/2005 10:59:51 PM PDT by indianrightwinger
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To: indianrightwinger
The only abuse I am aware of was Bill Clinton's when he took a sure-to-be-defeated nominee and planted permanently as an acting at the DoJ.

I presume you mean Bill Lann Lee, who was utterly dead in the water until the toon recess appointed him. Sleazy, yeah, but Constitutional.

22 posted on 10/21/2005 11:08:56 PM PDT by Lancey Howard
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To: Lancey Howard

Did he Recess him?

My understanding is that he served not until the next Congress, but until the end of Clintoon term. And, that is what made it abusive. Also, I think the "acting" designation was used instead of Recess to achieve this objective.

Even Clinton I believe apparently admitted that it was probably unconstitutional.


23 posted on 10/21/2005 11:14:51 PM PDT by indianrightwinger
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To: Texasforever

You noticed too huh?


24 posted on 10/21/2005 11:42:23 PM PDT by Mo1
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To: Mo1

Oh, this is an unexpected goody! :-)


25 posted on 10/22/2005 1:54:16 AM PDT by nopardons
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To: indianrightwinger
Maybe, since you've only been in America since 1992 and here for a month and a bit over, your grasp of American politics and how MY government works, is somewhat lacking.

Try looking at previous presidencies and historical precedents. America's governmental workings didn't begin with Clinton.

26 posted on 10/22/2005 1:59:02 AM PDT by nopardons
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To: nopardons

It is NOT YOUR government. It is mine too, and I feel it choking my throat each day as a big brother.

Do you know if *acting* appointments are constitutional?

Just because they have been used, does not make them so.


27 posted on 10/22/2005 2:06:21 AM PDT by indianrightwinger
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To: Mo1

Cool! I'm a McNulty (maiden name) but not related to Paul (as far as I KNOW, at least).


28 posted on 10/22/2005 2:16:06 AM PDT by IrishRainy
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To: indianrightwinger
Are you a citizen? If so, when did you become one?

Yes, "acting" appointments ARE Constitutional, as are recess appointments. The problem with the Clinton Bill Lan Lee one, is that he kept him on, after the Congressional session was reopened. That isn't Constitutional.

This is absolutely NOTHING at all akin to "BIG BROTHER" and if you feel "choked", perhaps it is by your own abject lack of knowledge about the workings of this nation, which you adopted.

29 posted on 10/22/2005 2:20:27 AM PDT by nopardons
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To: nopardons

Now I realize that you are the same one harassing the other day. Cut your crap and move on.

Recess appointments are spelled out in the constitution, and their timing is between Congressional recess.

Where does it say that the President can appoint someone while the Congress is in session?

Curious.....


30 posted on 10/22/2005 2:23:41 AM PDT by indianrightwinger
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To: nopardons

See post #12, and add value, if you have better insights....Thanks!


31 posted on 10/22/2005 2:25:42 AM PDT by indianrightwinger
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To: indianrightwinger
I am not "harassing" you; I am posting factual details and asking you a question or two. Either learn to grow a thinker skin, or find a cozier forum.

Another poster, a bit farther up on this thread, gave you the links. You IGNORED those posts.

It would behoove you to not post as a certainty, that which you know little to nothing at all about. And FWIW, it is against FR's posting rules, to use the word "crap".

32 posted on 10/22/2005 2:28:20 AM PDT by nopardons
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To: nopardons

In reply to his post, I asked a follow up question and posted another comment along the lines of.....

Just because *acting* appointments have been made (even historically), does not make them constitutional. So, are they?

To answer your question (a silly one - but will satisfy your ego for now), I am in the process of becoming a Citizen.


33 posted on 10/22/2005 2:31:07 AM PDT by indianrightwinger
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To: indianrightwinger
It isn't a "silly" question at all. Neither was the asking of it "harassment"!

Since you are in the midst of becoming a citizen, perhaps YOU should do your own research and learn all about this country, instead of emotionally making guesses about just what is Constitution and/or allowable and what isn't. This really would help you post better replies.

And yes, "acting" appointments are Constitutional.

Please consult a good dictionary and find out what ACTING means. You appear to think that "acting" means permanent; which in this case, it doesn't.

34 posted on 10/22/2005 2:39:27 AM PDT by nopardons
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To: nopardons

LOL! It is funny you think I need to consult a dictionary to know what *acting* means.

Following that logic, I wish Bolton served as *acting* UN Amb. while Biden/Dodd were making fools of themselves.


35 posted on 10/22/2005 2:45:48 AM PDT by indianrightwinger
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To: indianrightwinger

That was not possible. Please educate yourself on the rules/laws of your adopted country.


36 posted on 10/22/2005 2:52:57 AM PDT by nopardons
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