No more Alberto

After weathering months of Congressional scrutiny concerning the firings of U.S. attorneys, a far-reaching domestic surveillance program, and the morale of his department, U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales announced his resignation this morning.

Following weekend conversations with President George W. Bush, Gonzales said Monday that he would step down Sept. 17. He gave no reason for his decision in his statement and did not answer questions.

Gonzales’ resignation has been called: “sad,” “a great, great development” and “inevitable.” What do you think? Will this move defuse the controversies swirling around the Justice Department?

Who will succeed Gonzales, and how would you characterize Gonzales’ tenure?

—BRENDAN KEARNEY, Daily Record Legal Affairs Writer