WASHINGTON, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- President George W. Bush announced Tuesday he has picked White House General Counsel Alberto Gonzales to succeed John Ashcroft as U.S. Attorney General.
Gonzales, a Texas native, would be the first Hispanic to hold the post as the nation's chief law enforcement officer if confirmed by the Senate.
"This is the fifth time I've asked Judge Gonzales to serve his fellow citizens," Bush said. "And I'm very grateful he keeps saying yes."
Gonzales worked with Bush in Texas when Bush was governor. He held the posts of general counsel and secretary of state and was also appointed to the Texas Supreme Court.
Bush said Gonzales had played a key role in the White House in forming administration policies on terrorism and had acquitted himself with ethics of the "highest standard."
Ashcroft, criticized by liberals over alleged violations of rights in implementing the Patriot Act following the 2001 terrorist attacks, resigned Election Day and Bush accepted it this week. Bush praised Ashcroft for his work and said America was safer because of him.
The announcement was made in the Roosevelt Room of the White House.
Gonzales, son of migrant workers, in accepting the president's decision said his nomination symbolized the achievement of Hispanic-Americans.
