DOJ Looking into Possible Firing of Atty Over Sexual Orientation

NPR reports on a probe into the possible firing of an attorney at the Justice Department for her sexual orientation. It's an investigation which grew out of the larger Alberto Gonzalez U.S. Attorney firings there.

Attorney Leslie Hagen, who received "outstanding" job evaluations, was let go under Gonzales's senior counsel Monica Goodling.

According to NPR, "The Justice Department's inspector general is looking into whether Hagen was dismissed after a rumor reached Goodling that Hagen is a lesbian. As one Republican source put it, 'To some people, that's even worse than being a Democrat.' Several people interviewed by the inspector general's staff said investigators asked whether people drew a connection between the rumors and Hagen's dismissal. The witnesses, who spoke to NPR on the condition of anonymity, said they felt that the rumors led to the decision not to renew Hagen's contract. Someone who worked in Hagen's office says that in a 2006 meeting, senior officials were told that Hagen's contract would not be renewed because someone on the attorney general's staff had a problem with Hagen. The problem, it was suggested during the conversation, was sexual orientation — or what was rumored to be Hagen's sexual orientation. One person at the meeting asked, 'Is that really an issue?' But the decision had been made."

Justice Probes Lawyer's Dismissal Amid Gay Rumor [npr]

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Towleroad Guide to the Tube #199

ALBERTO GONZALEZ: Demonstrator dressed as detainee interrupts Alberto Gonzalez appearance at University of Florida, and then another...

TASER ABUSE: More taser abuse courtesy of the Utah Highway Patrol, this time for a speeding ticket.

DR. JAN ADAMS: The doctor responsible for the cosmetic surgery operation that preceded the death of Kanye West's mother Donda, creates some drama on Larry King Live as he walks off the set.

WINDOWS AMBUSH: A new ad from Apple which utilizes both right-hand box and top leaderboard ad space to ambush Vista. It's been seen on many tech sites and on some pages on which Vista is reviewed.

Check out our previous guides to the Tube here

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Attorney General Alberto Gonzales Resigns

It's about time.

After months of controversy over the firing of U.S. Attorneys and his testimony regarding the NSA's terrorist surveillance programs, as well as accusations of perjury by congressional Democrats, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has reportedly resigned. An announcement is forthcoming later this morning, according to reports.

According to the New York Times: "Mr. Gonzales, who had rebuffed calls for his resignation, submitted his to President Bush by telephone on Friday, the official said. His decision was not announced immediately announced, the official added, until after the president invited him and his wife to lunch at his ranch near here. Mr. Bush has not yet chosen a replacement but will not leave the position open long, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the resignation had not yet been made public."

U.S. News is saying that Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff will replace Gonzales: "Officials say he’s got fans on Capitol Hill, is untouched by the Justice prosecutor scandal, and has more experience than Gonzales did, having served as a federal judge and assistant attorney general."

Cnn is reporting that Chertoff is to be replaced by Bush loyalist Clay Johnson III, the Deputy Director for Management at the Office of Management and Budget.

Attorney General Gonzales Resigns [abc news]
Embattled Attorney General Resigns [nyt]
BREAKING: Alberto Gonzales Resigns [think progress]

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