Mukasey Refuses To Hold Accountable Officials Who Politicized Justice Department Honors Program
Mukasey Refuses To Hold Accountable Officials Who Politicized Justice Department Honors Program
In today’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing with Attorney General Michael Mukasey, Russ Feingold (D-WI) sharply criticized the Bush administration for politicizing the Justice Department’s internship and Honors programs. In fact, one of Feingold’s former law clerks was denied a spot, in part because he had worked for the progressive senator.
Feingold pressed Mukasey on how the Bush administration would hold the people who committed the wrongdoings accountable. Mukasey began stumbling over his words and attempting to dodge the question. When pressed further by Feingold, Mukasey continued to hedge:
FEINGOLD: But what about accountability for those who did this?
MUKASEY: I think that, um, to the extent that there is to be accountability, that was covered in the OIG report. People who were, uh, deficient, uh, were, uh, are — some of them are no longer at the Department, others came in for criticism.
FEINGOLD: Well, I want a review —
MUKASEY: Um, if you can point to any criminal laws that were violated, obviously those —
FEINGOLD: I will take this up more later, but thank you for that initial response.
Watch it:
The IG/OPR report found extensive wrong doing by Bush political appointees. In particular, Michael Elston, formerly the chief of staff to the Deputy Attorney General, “violated federal law and Department policy” by selecting candidates based on their political affiliations.
In addition to Elston, the report singles out Esther Slater McDonald, a former DOJ counsel whose conduct also “constituted misconduct and also violated the Department’s policies and civil service law.” Yet as the report notes, both Elston and McDonald have resigned:
However, because both McDonald and Elston have resigned from the Department, they are no longer subject to discipline by the Department for their actions. Nevertheless, we recommend that the Department consider the findings in this report should either McDonald or Elston apply in the future for another position with the Department.
Mukasey basically believes that because McDonald and Elston happened to step down from the Justice Department before they could be further investigated, the subject is closed.
Transcript:
FEINGOLD: Let me start by commenting on the Inspector General’s and Office of Professional Responsibility’s recent report on politicized hiring in the Department’s Honors program. The report notes that one of the candidates who was almost certainly rejected for political reasons was a young man who was first in his class at Georgetown Law Center, clerked for a district judge and also on the Second Circuit, but he also made a mistake. And that was working as a law clerk for my Judiciary Committee staff, which apparently played a part in disqualifying him from an Honors program position.
He now works for Solicitor General of the state of New York, so he has done fine. But for the most petty and inappropriate of reasons, the Department of Justice lost out on a very talented young lawyer. The people responsible not only intentionally interfered with the careers of fine young lawyers, but they damaged the Department and the nation.
I want you to know that I find this conduct unacceptable and truly hope the promises you made to end this kind of behavior at the Department are being kept.
So my question to you know, however, is more specific. In light of the report, what specific actions have you taken, and what further actions do you intend to take, to hold those who broke the law here accountable?
MUKASEY: We have put in place a system that assures that all hiring with regard to the Honors program and with regard to the summer internship program is entirely in the hands of career lawyers. And obviously, anybody who is qualified to serve in the Department of Justice, is welcome to submit his or her application and to be evaluated on the merits.
FEINGOLD: But what about accountability for those who did this?
MUKASEY: I think that, um, to the extent that there is to be accountability, that was covered in the OIG report. People who were, uh, deficient, uh, were, uh, are — some of them are no longer at the Department, others came in for criticism.
FEINGOLD: Well, I want a review —
MUKASEY: Um, if you can point to any criminal laws that were violated, obviously those —
FEINGOLD: I will take this up more later, but thank you for that initial response. I am very concerned that the message be clear that this was unacceptable and requires real accountability.
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Well, the Dems helped get him in as AG, so they need to look in the mirror.
Once a NeoCon BushCo, always a NeoCon BushCO. Nothing has changed!
July 9th, 2008 at 1:02 pmIt would be more surprising if someone from this administration DID hold someone accountable.
July 9th, 2008 at 1:02 pmBy that logic Mucousey, a bus driver who ran over a van full of kids gets off the hook if he quits his job?
And this dickweed is the AG? Pathetic.
July 9th, 2008 at 1:07 pmWe can all thank Feinstein & Schumer for having this loyal Bushie sycophant POS as AG.
Voters in their respective states should remember them.
July 9th, 2008 at 1:08 pmHi upside, I don’t understand. I thought you guys who are currently attacking obama and the dems were of the same mindset as the rest of us.
Why do you guys think this is a good time to tear down our best chance in a long time to put the real criminals out of power?
July 9th, 2008 at 1:09 pmso much for trusting him to honor his word, huh? suckers.
July 9th, 2008 at 1:09 pmWouldn’t having them dis-barred be the correct punishment?
Take away their lively hood andin the future this will likely never occur agian.
If no punishment is incurred then this will be become the norm – guareented.
This is just the tip of the iceberg.
When the crimes of this administration are fully exposed, Cheney and Bush will be in Paraguay.
July 9th, 2008 at 1:17 pmFred says:
WTF are you talking about? Give me one post that I have ever made regarding a negative Obama point. I was an Edwards supporter, then switched to Obama and still am.
My comment goes to the fact that the Dems rolled over on Mukasey and also Roberts for SCOTUS Chief and all we get from all these committees are ’stern letters’ and idle threats. That tells me the Dems have a very weak leadership right now, and nothing will change in ‘09, unless they are either held accountable or voted out.
July 9th, 2008 at 1:18 pmThey did a “drive-by”, republic corruption “hit and run”.
Ain’t Democracy grand?
July 9th, 2008 at 1:18 pmupside99 Says
July 9th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Well, the Dems helped get him in as AG, so they need to look in the mirror.
___________________________________________________________
Let’s not tar all Dems with the same brush. It was FeinSTEIN who voted to confirm Mukasey, not FeinGOLD. Feingold voted nay.
But yeah — Mukasey has proven to be exactly what we thought he would be. No surprise here.
July 9th, 2008 at 1:20 pmBig surprise here. The Bush appointee charged with cleaning up the mess left by Gonzales turns out to be just another stooge.
There may only be months left in Bush’s administration but it boggles the mind just how much damage the Bush machine can havoc in that short period of time.
http://progressiveworldreview.com
July 9th, 2008 at 1:20 pmIf Schumer and Feinstein see this, they have to be kicking themselves in the ass for an hour a day for giving us a country club white boy thats worse than Fredo.
July 9th, 2008 at 1:23 pmmissmolly,
I have NEVER said anything about Russ. He is one of the backboned, sacked-up Dems we have in office right now, along with Dennis K and a few others. The rest, well, not so much. Pelosi is another Hastert and Feinstein is probably as corrupt as many of the Repugs.
July 9th, 2008 at 1:26 pmAll politics, all the time with these people.
July 9th, 2008 at 1:26 pmMukasey basically believes that because McDonald and Elston happened to step down from the Justice Department before they could be further investigated, the subject is closed.
Meaning, if by some fluke McCain becomes president, they’ll be welcomed back as cherished, and valuable tools. They’ll probably even get promotions.
July 9th, 2008 at 1:27 pmWhat?? Mucous won’t do his job?
What a surprise.
NOT.
July 9th, 2008 at 1:29 pmWe’re not attacking Obama, Fred, we’re letting him know that being in existence as a democrat isn’t about proving yourself on certain issues to Republicans. Obama will beat McCain — his supporters mostly haven’t withdrawn their votes — but he may have to do so w/o the massive funding and volunteer support he was expecting.
July 9th, 2008 at 1:31 pmJebus…I wish we had a whole Congress made up of Feingolds, Boxers and Kuciniches…then maybe America wouldn’t be in the shitter and Chimpy would be in PRISON.
July 9th, 2008 at 1:33 pmDid anyone expect him to defy the Naked Emperor at whose pleasure he serves?
July 9th, 2008 at 1:33 pmRE: “Did anyone expect him to defy the Naked Emperor at whose pleasure he serves?”
Yes. That’s the oath he swore.
July 9th, 2008 at 1:38 pmI am sure in the Era of Bush that this is a stupid question but I will ask it anyway. Understanding that the Justice Department cannot discipline a former employee for violation of departmental policy, why can the Justice Department not prosecute said former employee for violation of federal law? that is after all a large part of what the Justice Department does — or used to do anyway.
July 9th, 2008 at 1:39 pmthank you, chuck schumer. how are you loving your boy mukasey now.
July 9th, 2008 at 1:40 pmpaleolib Says:
why can the Justice Department not prosecute said former employee for violation of federal law? that is after all a large part of what the Justice Department does — or used to do anyway.
July 9th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
______
Didn’t you see Mukasey’s statement? Those former employees were given a stern talking-to – perhaps even a verbal reprimand – before they went off to high-paying jobs in the private sector. What more do you want, eh? Justice?
July 9th, 2008 at 1:42 pmMukasey basically believes that because McDonald and Elston happened to step down from the Justice Department before they could be further investigated, the subject is closed.
there’s a whole new line of defense, kidz. any embezzlers out there ought to try that one out. ‘but, your honor, i no longer work at abc company, so i can no longer be charged with a crime.’
July 9th, 2008 at 1:42 pmIn fairness to Mukasey, he clearly states “if you can point to any criminal laws that were violated”.
Agreed, there are those, past and present that jumped on the Bush bandwagon on the heels of 9/11 and knowingly trampeled constitutional law with the rallying cry “either your with us, or against us”….its the George Bush mentality.
July 9th, 2008 at 1:46 pmActually H. Toasterhead, it could be even less than that. Mukasey only said they came in for criticism. He never specifically said the crticism came from the Justice Department. Could have been referring to Feingold’s reaction. We all know how seriously wingnuts take crticism from Democrats.
July 9th, 2008 at 1:56 pmAll these people are simply guilty by association–with the republican party. Did anyone really expect a change from the not-so-great gonzo? After all, bush still chose the replacement. The only way to avoid all this was immorally taken off the table.
July 9th, 2008 at 1:57 pmDid anyone at the hearing today happen to ask Mukasey just exactly what he has been doing since he was given this job? Does he just sit at his desk admiring his portrait of George Orwell while playing solitaire on his computer? Hey Mike, if you’re not going to investigate obvious corruption and well documented criminal activities within the Administration and your own Department what HAVE you been doing?
July 9th, 2008 at 2:00 pmtomcat
The OIG found that Elston at least violated federal law. If Mukasey is seriously asking Feingold to point out a violation then he showed up to testify without reading the report prepared by his own Inspector General. Whether he didn’t read it (which is incompetent as well as contemptuous of the legislative branch that funds his department) or ignored it (which is dishonest) he is treading in serious Gonzo territory.
July 9th, 2008 at 2:01 pmIs this the most corrupt administration ever?
July 9th, 2008 at 2:02 pmImpeach Mukasey, Cheney, Bush, Feintstein, Schumer & Pelosi.
D.C. has become a zoo for political primates, & the zookeeper is the worst gorilla of all.
Make a difference in ‘08 & vote for Americans that care about the people, not the corporate donors.
Corporate citizenship has surpassed individual citizenship in importance in our Capitol. If we don’t make changes in this election, we may as well kiss our freedoms goodbye.
July 9th, 2008 at 2:04 pmI really want to say, “Well, congress is getting exactly what they deserve” by having confirmed this man in the first place. But of course, we the people, are the ones that actually do the suffering. I do not expect this downward spiral of the people’s government to abort. With so many accomplices in congress and throughout the entire government, complete replacement of the system would be required, at this point. Resistance is futile.
July 9th, 2008 at 2:15 pmDoes anyone in this administration have any shame at all?
July 9th, 2008 at 2:19 pmBob Says:
“Is this the most corrupt administration ever?”
Yes
IgnoranceIsNotBliss Says:
“Does anyone in this administration have any shame at all?”
No
July 9th, 2008 at 2:24 pmYou know, in the case of Roberts, Alito and now with the character McKasey, if congress had only listened to their respective constituencies when we objected loudly to all of them being confirmed, we would not have these disgusting displays of arrogance and in your face law-breaking. The same thing happened today with the FISA bill that will be passed in spite of OVERWHELMING public disapproval. Folks, this is NOT our governmnet any longer. Not by a long shot!
July 9th, 2008 at 2:30 pm35 – ricchase ….What?? Our government should actually listen to the sheeple? You mean – like a real *democracy*???
Dear me! How very …quaint.
/snark off
July 9th, 2008 at 2:53 pmThe United States is not a Democracy. We are a Republic. There is a big difference and you Donks don’t seem to get it.
July 9th, 2008 at 3:02 pm“usnagu Says:
The United States is not a Democracy. We are a Republic. There is a big difference and you Donks don’t seem to get it.”
Well, maybe we don’t know the difference between a “democracy” and a “republic”, but we damned well know what we think of when we think “America” and this ain’t it.
July 9th, 2008 at 3:11 pmSo, ricchase, please explain to me what “America” means to you.
July 9th, 2008 at 3:36 pmJuly 9th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
I don’t quite understand what you mean by trying to conquer people of world. In fact, we are the only country in history to fight wars on foreign soil and leave without taking land. You also imply that America (or perhaps you meant the Bush Administration) doesn’t care about people around the world. Nothing could be further from the truth. Who sends billions of aid and assistance (mostly carried out by our military) for natural disasters around the world? Who protects the free flow of cargo around the world? Who protects basically everything in this world? Who provides billions of aid to African nations and AIDS victims? Go read an article by Bob Geldof in Time about Bush’s African initiatives…of course, it doesn’t get much press because, you know, GWB is the devil and all.
And this thing about not wanting your representatives overly influenced by other sources….you mean those others that pay taxes just like you, enterprises and individuals alike? Why shouldn’t they get the representation they want? And I’m not talking about corruption, but rather the right to free speech, including lobbying their representatives.
And, if I’m not mistaken it is precisely because Bush has put America’s interests “first and foremost”, that he is crucified in the press day in and day out. He’s not the greatest president we’ve ever had (e.g. steel tariffs, poor record on curbing spending, poor tactical execution in Iraq early on), but he is far from the worst – I would lay that banner at Jimmy Carter’s feet.
Here’s my view of what America is (or once was):
On the economic front, I am for a smaller government, with flat, simplified taxes, lower regulation, and drastically reduced entitlements and welfare. For example, free national healthcare is a farce and the idea that Americans “have the right to retire with dignity” as said by Obama, is just nonsense. We have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That means, work hard, make good choices and make the most of the hand your dealt. The government cannot legislate/regulate away risk, poor decisions or personal misfortune (i.e. bad luck). We have a grave sickness growing in this country and it’s called Dependency. Our politicians thrive on it because it ensures their employment, and the American people have grown to expect something for nothing, completing the vicious cycle. Life is not always fair and their are no free lunches.
As for national defense, I believe in speaking softly but carrying a very big stick…and a willingness to use it. Appeasement masked as diplomacy had gone on long enough and in order to protect our country and our freedoms, we are required to get our hands dirty from time to time. The liberal community believes that smoother talking with the likes of Iran and Syria will curb their terrorist and nuclear ambitions. This is foolishness and perceived by our enemies as weakness and as an opportunity.
I welcome the debate.
July 9th, 2008 at 9:16 pm“usnagu Says: blah, blah, blah”
Written like a true republican. Complete with blinders and apparent amnesia. George Bush and Richard Cheney with the assistance of a selective and dishonest main street media, self serving legislature, military with hand picked leadership, a corrupt to the bone justice department, “police state” Homeland Security Department, packed Supreme Court, fascist mentality, fake religious agenda, utterly devoid of any ability to tell the truth, treasury raiding administration that was illegal from the get go have turned a relatively tranquil, peaceful, productive, law abiding, respected and admired country into a personal play-thing for cronies, idiots, liars, thieves, con-men (and women).
In just over seven years, this mob has managed what most Americans and the rest of the world would never have conceived. Destroyed our peace of mind, ran our military into the ground in an unjust and illegal war, pilfered our treasury for many decades to come, made our constitution an ineffective side note and turned our powerful country into a thing that is now mocked and belittled by even the most inconsequential countries the world over.
He giggles, dances and generally makes a general fool of himself at press conferences and in front of other world leaders. He ignores, indeed perpetuates the misery he has caused here and the world over. To call him a bald faced liar is too kind. To call him the worst president ever is too generous.
He has left Americans with a lost, guide-less, pessimistic outlook for our country. We, well, most of us anyway, worry and wonder if we will be able to repair the carnage he will leave. The extent of his outrageous and destructive march to achieve a misguided and completely un-American agenda will take many years to uncover and correct. There is nothing good about George W. Bush or anything he has ever attempted. Only a robot, relative, or oilman would not know these things to be true.
July 9th, 2008 at 10:27 pmI’m disappointed. I thought we might be able to have a sensible debate about policy. Instead you’ve chosen to go on a typical angry, anti-Bush rant without any substance whatsoever. I guess I should have expected as much from a dope who admits he doesn’t even know the difference between a democracy and a republic.
July 10th, 2008 at 7:52 am