McNulty responsible in U.S. attorney firings: Gonzales
Andy Sullivan
Reuters
Tuesday May 15, 2007
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales on Tuesday praised his departing deputy but also said he was the one responsible for the federal prosecutor firings that have thrown the Justice Department into turmoil.
Deputy Attorney General Paul McNulty, the No. 2 Justice Department official, on Monday became the highest-ranking official yet to resign since the scandal erupted in January. McNulty said he was quitting to earn more money in the private sector, not because of the controversy.
In comments at the National Press Club, Gonzales said McNulty was ultimately responsible for recommending the firing of at least eight U.S. attorneys in December.
"At the end of day, the recommendations reflect the views of the deputy attorney general. He signed off on the names," Gonzales said.
