" 'The Senate should focus on Judge Mukasey's qualifications,
his almost 40 years of service in America's legal system, through a
process that respects the separation of powers,' Hatch said. 'I
know some in this body want to use nominations to fight unrelated
policy or political battles. Those fights are for the legislative
process or the oversight process, but not the confirmation
process.'
Hatch hopes that Mukasey will receive a fair, efficient
confirmation process, free from partisan demagoguery. In Hatch's
tenure, the Senate has confirmed nine Attorneys General, with an
average review time between nomination and confirmation of three
weeks. Hatch hopes that, given how well established Mukasey's
reputation is, the Senate will live up to this standard."
UPDATE: Sen. Cornyn released this:
"In recent months, my Democratic colleagues have loudly voiced
their belief that partisan politics has no place at the Department
of Justice. With today's nomination and forthcoming confirmation
process of Judge Mukasey, they will have an opportunity to
demonstrate that.
"I am examining Judge Mukasey's record and will continue to do
so in the days ahead. But early indications are that he is a
respected, experienced jurist who has a strong reputation for
honesty and integrity. He deserves a fair and prompt hearing by the
Senate."