http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/314152,CST-NWS-Gonza27.articleMarch 27, 2007
BY NATASHA KORECKI Federal Courts Reporter
Beleaguered Attorney General Alberto Gonzales will visit Chicago today to plug a new ad campaign, even as he faces a crush of criticism over a firing scandal consuming his administration.
Gonzales is likely to face questions on a Washington Post report about a "mediocre" rating his office gave Chicago's top prosecutor, U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald.
Gonzales embarked on a national tour to promote a Project Safe Childhood ad campaign just as news broke over the weekend that the attorney general had approved a detailed plan to fire eight U.S. attorneys. Gonzales previously denied he participated in discussions or saw documents about the firings.
The most recent revelation had even more members of Congress -- including Republicans -- calling for his resignation. Democrats charge that the firings were politically motivated. Two former prosecutors allege they were dismissed after they didn't pursue criminal charges against Democrats in their districts during election years.