Report: U.S. attorney hirings politicized

WASHINGTON, July 28 (UPI) -- An investigation has concluded that the hiring of U.S. attorneys and other career professionals have been unduly affected by White House political influences.

The investigation by the Office of Professional Responsibility and the Office of the Inspector General began after 2006 allegations that several U.S. attorneys were forced to resign for improper reasons, including political or ideological affiliations. Its findings, released in a news release Monday, confirmed the violations of federal law and recommended changes to prevent further abuses.

The study singled out Monica Goodling, who had worked in the Office of the Attorney General as the White House liaison, her predecessor Jan Williams, and former Chief of Staff to the Attorney General Kyle Sampson for inappropriately considering political and ideological affiliations in selecting immigration judges and appointments to the Board of Immigration Appeals.

In his own news release, U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey welcomed the report and indicated his department is already working to implement recommendations.