How does this work? Do we now have to have a vote, or can the AG just go ahead and appoint a SC? In fact, why not?
The SC is a bureaucratic procedure with DOJ’s self-imposed regs. The AG or Acting AG can appoint a SC if there is “a conflict of interest for the Department or other extraordinary circumstances” or if “it would be in the public interest”. There is no current law mandating the appointment of a special counsel for any reason.
All lawyers with expertise in politically-related crimes are naturally close to the political world, so the idea of an ‘unbiased’ SC is nonsense.
Criminal matters at a high level should get aggressive prosecution by the normal DOJ processes. The people will judge at the ballot box, Special Counsel or not.
“How does this work? Do we now have to have a vote, or can the AG just go ahead and appoint a SC? In fact, why not?”
Yes the AG can.
No he won’t.