NOW Demands Thorough Inquiry of Attorney General Nomination

November 10, 2004

Today George W. Bush announced that he will nominate Alberto Gonzales, current White House counsel and a trusted advisor from his days in Texas, to replace John Ashcroft as the nation's top law enforcement official. The National Organization for Women encourages the nomination of more women and people of color to the cabinet, but asks the Senate to fully weigh Gonzales' commitment to preserving civil rights and liberties when conducting upcoming confirmation hearings.

"We are asking our friends and allies in Congress to ensure that Mr. Gonzales' attitudes toward defending our rights under the law are made public," said NOW President Kim Gandy. "It is imperative that we not allow another extremist Bush's ally, someone not interested in protecting Roe v. Wade and women's rights, to lead the Department of Justice."

Gonzales is a former Houston trial lawyer and Texas Supreme Court justice. While serving on the bench, he did not excuse himself from presiding over cases involving his former client, Enron. While in Texas he also advised then-Governor George Bush on several clemency cases, helping Bush achieve an unmatched gubernatorial record for ordering executions. Since serving as White House Counsel, he has been a controversial figure in the Abu Ghraib scandal, helping the White House sidestep questions about the treatment of Iraqi prisoners.

"The Attorney General must be someone who will uphold the rule of law," said Gandy. "Gonzales' record shows that his personal opinions and commitment to the Bush administration have clouded his judgment. There must be full disclosure of his involvement in protecting the White House from releasing critical information in the Abu Ghraib prisoner scandal and the war on terror. He cannot be allowed to sidestep questions about his willingness to break with the White House and enforce the law."

For more information, or to schedule an interview with Kim Gandy, please contact Jenny Thalheimer at 202-628-8669, ext. 116, or press@now.org.

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