Gonzales puts firings on McNulty’s shoulders

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales Tuesday emphasized that his top deputy — who resigned Monday — agreed to and stood by his controversial firings of several U.S. attorneys.

In an appearance at the National Press Club, Gonzales highlighted the role that Deputy Attorney General Paul McNulty played in the handling of the U.S. attorneys and its aftermath.

{mosads}“At the end of the day, the decisions reflected the views of the deputy attorney general. He signed off on the names,” Gonzales said. “On the day of [former Gonzales Chief of Staff] Kyle Sampson’s testimony, I asked Paul, ‘Do you still stand by your recommendations?’ He said, ‘Yes.’”

But he added that, in hindsight, McNulty should have been even more involved.

“I think I would have had Deputy Attorney General McNulty get involved more directly,” Gonzales said.

Gonzales said McNulty’s departure, anticipated in late summer, will be “a loss,” but added, “This great institution is meant to withstand the departures of leadership and executives.”

As to whether he should resign, Gonzales said, “That is a decision of the president.”