Cautious Mukasey Disappoints Former Backers

Attorney General Michael Mukasey's cautious approach has disappointed one-time backers who hoped for a new direction at the Justice Department, reports the New York Times. He has been reluctant to probe the US attorney firings that triggered predecessor Alberto Gonzales' downfall, and has moved at a snail's pace on issues from torture to mortgage fraud, critics charge.

Mukasey's supporters say he is helping restore integrity to the scandal-hit Justice Department. His defense of wiretapping and executive privilege, however, has dashed hopes for a clean break from the direction set by Gonzales. Mukasey is "letting the worst excesses of the Gonzales era stand,” said a Democratic lawmaker whose vote swung Mukasey's confirmation. “That disappoints me. He doesn’t want to rock the boat.”