washington -- The resignation of Atty. Gen Alberto R. Gonzales on Monday removes a lightning rod of criticism for the Bush administration, which began looking for a credible replacement who could restore the effectiveness and reputation of the Justice Department -- and win confirmation without more partisan battles.
Gonzales announced his departure at a brief news conference, and declined to take questions. He acknowledged his gratitude to President Bush, who had stood by him for months while he endured repeated calls to resign amid the inquiry over fired U.S. attorneys.
Speculation on possible replacements began immediately, with the focus on Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, a former Justice Department official. Also mentioned were Washington lawyer Theodore B. Olson, the former solicitor general, and Larry D. Thompson, general counsel of PepsiCo Inc. and formerly Justice's No. 2 official. Both men served under former Atty. Gen. John Ashcroft in Bush's first term.
The White House seemed likely, but not certain, to turn to a Justice Department insider who could quickly make the transition and be effective in the 16 months left in the Bush presidency. Other observers speculated that Bush might select a current or former member of Congress in an effort to mend relations between the department and Capitol Hill.
Gonzales' announcement, though it came as a surprise Monday morning, had been long expected. He has battled accusations that he hired and fired prosecutors for political reasons, and misled Congress on a variety of subjects, including a warrantless electronic surveillance program launched after the Sept. 11 attacks.
The resignation is effective Sept. 17. Solicitor General Paul D. Clement will serve as acting attorney general until a successor is confirmed.
Gonzales told Bush in a phone call Friday night that he intended to resign. At Bush's request, he then flew to Texas with his wife to meet with the president on Sunday at his Crawford ranch.
The departure of Gonzales, a friend and confidant of Bush for more than a decade, marks the end of an era in which the president relied on a small circle of advisors who date back to his days as Texas governor.
In a statement tinged with bitterness and regret, Bush said Monday that he accepted the resignation reluctantly, while also appearing to bend to the political reality that the department had become dysfunctional under Gonzales' leadership.
