Leahy wants Justice docs before confirming new AG

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The White House has foiled and forestalled Congressional investigations of its warrantless domestic spying program and other instances of alleged misconduct, but a new round of confirmation hearings could open a crack in the Bush administration's armor.

The showdown came to a head earlier this month when Judiciary Committee chairman Patrick Leahy invoked threats of criminal contempt charges when the White House again refused to comply with subpoenas. But the announced resignation of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has placed another arrow in Leahy's quiver as he continues to target what, if any, legal justifications backed Bush's assertion that 9/11 gave him unilateral authority to approve wiretaps rather than submitting to judicial oversight.

Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Leahy implied he may hold up confirmation of Gonzales's as-yet-unnamed successor, until the White House cooperates with investigations of the current AG's alleged misconduct.

"I have told the White House there's a lot of information we need to have before a confirmation hearing," Leahy told host Chris Wallace.

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