Alberto Gonzales to stay and "fix the problems." (Shudder.)

The House Judiciary Committee will vote Wednesday on whether to hold current and former White House officials in contempt of Congress, signaling that Democratic lawmakers intend to press toward a constitutional showdown with the Bush administration over last year's firings of nine U.S. attorneys.

So who's at risk of a contempt charge?

Joshua Bolten, who is legal custodian of the records sought by the House panel

Harriet E. Miers, who ignored a congressional subpoena by refusing to show up to testify earlier this month

Alberto Gonzales, meanwhile, continues to present himself as a know-nothin'-fergit-everthin' Attorney General.

The escalating conflict comes as Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales prepares to testify tomorrow before the Senate Judiciary Committee, which also is investigating the prosecutor firings and is weighing whether to join the House in pursuing contempt proceedings.

In a prepared statement for the hearing released today, Gonzales says allegations that some of his aides used political considerations in hiring career employees were "troubling to hear," but he said he was staying in his job to initiate reform.

"I could walk away or I could devote my time, effort and energy to fix the problems," Gonzales said in his prepared remarks. "Since I have never been one to quit, I decided that the best course of action was to remain here and fix the problems. That is exactly what I am doing."

The statement indicates that Gonzales will continue to portray himself as largely detached from many of the controversial personnel practices that were carried out during his tenure.

Comments

[Ron G]

Bert, you are the problem.