Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said today on a stop in St. Louis that he will not be stepping down from from his post.
The St. Louis Post Dispatch reported:
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, under fire over the firing of eight U.S. Attorneys, vowed again Thursday in St. Louis that he would not step down.
Gonzales was at the federal courthouse in St. Louis this morning to meet with area law enforcement officials, child advocates and community leaders and get an update on their efforts to combat child exploitation and abuse.
“I’m not going to resign. I’m going to stay focused on protecting our kids,” he said in response to a question about the “growing chorus” calling for his resignation.
He also repeated the administration position that U.S. Attorneys serve at the pleasure of the president and can be removed at any time.
“No United States Attorney was fired for improper reasons. And that’s the message that I’m going to deliver to the U.S. Congress,” he said.
More sexual predators were indicted on federal charges, per capita, in Missouri than in any other state, the Justice Department said. Area officials told Gonzales that they need more resources to investigate crimes, build public awareness by educating children, teachers and their parents and give children alternatives to idling their day online.
In a nod to the controversy, Gonzales opened his remarks to the group by saying, “I can really, honestly say it’s good to be out of Washington.”
