Gonzales Was Under Fire from Democrats, GOP Alike

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales took Washington by surprise Monday by announcing his resignation.

Gonzales had been under withering criticism by Democrats and Republicans, who were outraged that he withheld details of the firings of U.S. attorneys last year, as well as other issues that Congress was investigating. They also said the Justice Department had become politicized under Gonzales, undercutting the department's effectiveness in prosecutions and credibility with the public.

Solicitor General Paul Clement will be acting Attorney General until a successor is named.

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