KY, OH senators react to Gonzales resignation

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales resigned this morning, amid criticism over his handling of eight U.S. Attorney firings. Read the story in USA TODAY here.

Here are how Kentucky and Ohio senators responded to the news:

“I thank Alberto Gonzales for his public service and wish him well in his future endeavors. It is my hope that whomever President Bush selects as the next Attorney General, he or she is not subjected to the same poisonous partisanship that we’ve sadly grown accustomed to over the past eight months.”
-- Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Louisville.

“I wish Alberto Gonzales the best on his future endeavors. The Justice Department needs strong leadership to combat the grave threat of terrorism. I hope the democrat majority does not turn the confirmation process of the next Attorney General into another political circus. The nominee should be treated fairly through the confirmation process.”
-- Sen. Jim Bunning, a Southgate, Ky., Republican.

“While the senator believes Congress has a duty to conduct oversight, he also understands the president has the right and responsibility to fill his own cabinet. He is looking forward to reviewing the future nominee and will work with his colleagues to help ensure a thorough but speedy process.”
-- Chris Paulitz, spokesman for Sen. George Voinovich, a Cleveland Republican. Voinovich was unable to comment himself on Gonzales' resignation because he is on vacation, Paulitz said in an e-mail.

“Senator Brown believes the attorney general's resignation is long overdue. His tenure has been marred by incompetence at best and outright deceit at worst. Senator Brown hopes President Bush will put politics aside and nominate someone we can all be proud of for this important position. The American people deserve an attorney general whose first allegiance is to them, not the President.”
-- Bethany Lesser, spokeswoman for Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat from northern Ohio. It was unclear why Brown was unable to comment himself on Gonzales' resignation.