Leahy to oppose Mukasey

The opposition to Mukasey grows today, as Think Progress reports:

Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) today announced that he will vote against Michael Mukasey’s attorney general nomination, “potentially derailing his confirmation.” “No American should need a classified briefing to determine whether waterboarding is torture,” said Leahy, who will hold a press conference later in the day. Four other Democrats on the panel have also said they will vote against Mukasey.

From Leahy’s statement:

I am eager to restore strong leadership and independence to the Department of Justice. I like Michael Mukasey. I wish that I could support his nomination. But I cannot. America needs to be certain and confident of the bedrock principle — deeply embedded in our laws and our values — that no one, not even the President, is above the law. Accordingly, when the Judiciary Committee considers this nomination on Tuesday, I must vote no on this nomination.

See Think Progress for video.

Meanwhile Bush is continuing to push for Mukasey’s nomination and Senator Chuck (what were you thinking?) Schumer finds himself in a “tough spot” over Mukasey. Bottomline, Schumer – just say ”NO” to Mukasey.