Senate Democrats cannot afford to appear they are doing nothing to contain the most corrupt and incompetent Executive in American history. So it seems that Alberto 'Gonzo' Gonzales has been chosen as the target of opportunity. Only the President, who is already exhibiting bunker syndrome, can fire him. The Democratic effort is somewhat an exercise in futility, but the choice of Gonzales has Republican cooperation because it deflects Democratic ire away from the Charlatan and gives the regime yet more time to stumble across the finish line of Election Day, 2008. It is fairly clear that the attorney firings were politically motivated and that the original idea of circumventing the Senate and replacing federal prosecutors with Bush loyalists using the Patriot Act was Carl Rove's handiwork. But as Chuck Schumer had to admit to the press, there is no smoking gun tying the regime to obstruction of justice charges. If the Senate is animated about any issue, it is about protecting its prerogatives. US District Attorneys are prized political patronage positions usually handed out with the consultation and approval of the Senators from the state where the office is located. Naturally, Senators object strenuously when there is a serious effort by the White House to evade their influence. The sanctimonious dribble about "politicizing the Justice Department" is laughable. Justice is, and has been, politicized. It is more a matter of who is pulling the strings.
It would be a lot more satisfying and purgative if Gonzo was fired for the constitutional wrongs he has committed, such as approving the immoral use of torture or illegal domestic spying programs. The Vermont State Senate by voting 16-9 for impeachment of the President and Vice President is doing more to protect us than most of the politicians in the District of Bizarro where political power is the coin of the realm.