I need some help understanding Gonzo, the WH and USAs

[Pryderi]

The president appointed both Gonzo and the USA's.

If the USA's are going to be fired, isn't the president supposed to be consulted?

I know that the now revoked provision of the Patriot Act allowed the AG to appoint interim replacements without Senate confirmation, but does the AG have the power to fire presidentially appointed USA's without the president's permission?

Attorney General Elliot L. Richardson and DAG William D. Ruckelshaus resigned when Nixon demanded that Archibald Cox be fired, and Robert Bork ended up doing the dirty work.

[ProudDad]

1. Until Sen. Spector's "staffer"

inserted a clause in that despicable patriot act reauthorization that changed the rules, the SENATE had final say over U.S. Attorney appointments AND REPLACEMENTS.

The Pres (through his AG) could fire but only the Senate could hire...until last year...

[lizbitchwitchy]

3. I thought

That the only way they could appoint them without Senate approval is threw a recess appointment (when the congress is out) and then there is a fixed term in which they serve - or until the Congress gets around to dealing with the President's nominated person - but the President has a right to fill any open position if he deems it necessary that someone be serving (such as a federal judge in a busy court ) or something like that. It's rare to make recess appointments but Bush has made it common place. I think that is the way it goes. I don't know about the Fire thing though.

[Old and In the Way]

2. Strange that. They serve at his pleasure...so where's his directive to

resign them? What's the problem here George? You claim there was nothing wrong with letting them go...so where is your record trail asking for their resignation? Why'd you do it on the QT? Didn't want to call attention to the pattern of getting loyal partisans into districts where they can play a key role in the 2008 elections, subverting the will of the people?

[Igel]

4. Depends. If he's delegated the authority,

then it's delegated.