Another Top DOJ Official Resigns
William Mercer, the U.S. Attorney for Montana, who also has been serving as the Number Three top official at DOJ has withdrawn his nomination for permanent appointment.
Mercer's confirmation hearing was set for next week. His resignation letter says he has become convinced he would not be confirmed.
He will stay on as U.S. Attorney for Montana. Mercer has been heavily criticized for neglecting his U.S. Attorney duties while serving in the higher national DOJ slot.
Among his "contributions:"
Mercer had language inserted into the reauthorized USA Patriot Act in late 2005 that made it easier for him and other U.S. attorneys to serve as acting officials in Washington while holding their prosecutor jobs.
As for how little time he spent working in Montana,
According to testimony, Mercer spent an average of just three days a month as U.S. attorney in Billings. His frequent absence had prompted Montana's chief federal judge to ask Gonzales to replace him; the attorney general refused.
Think Progress has more.
| < Gitmo Not Closing Yet | BREAKING! Too Few Troops For "Mission" In Iraq > |
