Domenici says Gonzales’ resignation was ‘inevitable’

U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici, whose popularity has taken a dip in recent months because of his role in the U.S. attorney scandal, released a statement today calling Attorney General Alberto Gonzales’ resignation “inevitable.”

“His situation was a distraction to the Department of Justice and its attempt to carry out its important duties,” the GOP senator said. “I look forward to reviewing the president’s nominee for attorney general carefully and objectively.”

Both Domenici and U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson, R-N.M., are subjects of preliminary inquiries that cold turn into full investigations because of their involvement in the U.S. attorney scandal. Both called former U.S. Attorney David Iglesias in October to inquire about a public corruption investigation that was rumored at the time to involve high-ranking Democrats and, earlier this year, led to the indictment of former Senate President Manny Aragon.

Iglesias claims he refused pressure from the two to speed indictments in time to sway voters in November, when Wilson was up for re-election and in a tough contest. Two months later, he was fired without being given reason. Both admit the calls but say they didn’t pressure Iglesias.

Domenici’s popularity since the scandal broke has fallen in monthly SurveyUSA polls to as low as 51 percent. Prior to the scandal, it had never been below 60 percent.

Wilson’s office hasn’t yet responded to a request for comment.

U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., said in a statement that he didn’t support Gonzales’ nomination to become attorney general “because I thought it would be difficult for him to provide the strong, independent voice an attorney general should, and unfortunately my concerns have been borne out.”

Before becoming attorney general, Gonzales was the White House’s chief counsel.

“It is my greatest hope that whoever the president nominates to replace him will restore the American people’s confidence in the ability of the office of the attorney general to provide impartial, non-political administration of justice,” Bingaman said.

A spokesman for U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M., said the congressman would have no comment. A spokeswoman for U.S. Rep. Tom Udall, D-N.M., said a statement will be released soon.

Update, 11:10 a.m.

Udall, who was a cosponsor of a House resolution calling for an investigation into whether Gonzales should be impeached, released this statement:

“As attorney general, Alberto Gonzales is bound by an extraordinary duty to seek justice in accordance with our Constitution and on behalf of the American people – a noble duty superseding any obligation of loyalty to party or administration. Over the last few months it became obvious to all that Alberto Gonzales was incapable of fulfilling this duty, and his conduct cast serious doubts on his willingness to protect the basic inherent guarantees and freedoms of every citizen,” Udall said. “Although he has now resigned, serious questions remain over Gonzales’ tenure at the Department of Justice and I believe Congress still has an obligation to determine the legality of Attorney General Gonzales’ confusing, conflicting and misleading actions and statements.”

Update, 11:25 a.m.

Wilson’s office said the congresswoman had no comment.