Associated Press
WASHINGTON — A Senate Judiciary Committee divided along partisan lines advanced Alberto Gonzales' nomination as attorney general to the full Senate today despite Democratic complaints that he is too close to President Bush to be effective as the nation's top law enforcement official.
"It's hard to be a straight shooter when you're a blind loyalist," said Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.
Republicans muscled Gonzales' nomination through the panel on a 10-8 party line vote and are expected to use their 55-44 advantage to confirm him there next week at the earliest.
Bush had urged lawmakers earlier today to "promptly act and confirm Judge Al Gonzales. He'll be a great attorney general."
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