In a 53-38 procedural vote with one senator voting present, the Senate failed to end debate on a no-confidence motion over Alberto Gonzales' handling of the firing of several U.S. attorneys and his subsequent efforts to justify the action.

The debate and vote were purely symbolic, and Democrats acknowledged before bringing up the resolution they did not have the votes needed to invoke cloture and bring the resolution itself to the floor.

Gonzales has shown no inclination to resign, despite the criticism. President Bush has said he retains full confidence in his attorney general.

Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., argued against the cloture vote, saying the Senate has better things to do. Besides, he said, a no-confidence vote is not part of the U.S. system. If the situation warrants, he said, Gonzales should be impeached. Specter added that he personally had lost confidence in Gonzales.

Senate Minority Whip Trent Lott of Mississippi said the issue is "beneath" the dignity of the Senate.

Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., ridiculed the Republican leadership's arguments against the cloture vote, noting members had not indicated they had faith in Gonzales' ability to lead the Justice Department.

Sen. Diane Feinstein, D-Calif., said under Gonzales tenure, Justice has become an extension of the White House rather than an independent, law enforcement agency. She also said she does not believe Gonzales' claims politics did not play a role in the firings.

In addition to his handling of the firings, Gonzales also has faced criticism over positions on habeas corpus, domestic surveillance and torture.