When it comes to federal prosecutors, making personnel decisions based purely on politics is illegal. A law was actually passed saying so, a long time ago. However, most people wouldn’t see that as a big deal, either because the details are hard to keep track of or because out of justified cynicism they see it as typical ass-covering anyway, roll their eyes and go on with their lives.
Fortunately for the interest of justice, there’s much simpler reasons to turf Gonzales’ career — and maybe even have him locked up. Tim Lynch has examples.
Edit: in the same vein, Glenn Greenwald goes on a tear re: the Terrorist Surveillance Warrantless Wiretapping Program here. I swear, the man unleashes ether like it’s as easy as breathing.
