Thomas Daschle: “In 14 years in the Senate, I have voted on 36 Cabinet nominations: 24 by Republican Presidents and 12 by a Democratic…”

“In 14 years in the Senate, I have voted on 36 Cabinet nominations: 24 by Republican Presidents and 12 by a Democratic President. Of all of them, this one is by far the most difficult. I have struggled with this decision, as have most of us. I have spent many hours thinking about what I have heard and read. I have reviewed the words of our founders, and I have searched my memory and my conscience. In his inaugural address, President Bush pledged to ``work to build a single nation of justice and opportunity'' for all Americans. I think most Americans share that desire. That is why this vote is so important. John Ashcroft is a man of considerable accomplishment. He is a graduate of Yale and the University of Chicago Law School, a former State auditor, State attorney general, and a former Governor. Beyond that, he is a former Member of this Senate. Many of us have worked with him for a number of years. The question facing us, however, is not: Does John Ashcroft have an impressive resume? Clearly, he does. The question facing us is: Is John Ashcroft the right person to lead the United States Department of Justice? The Attorney General is more than ``the President's lawyer.'' He is the guardian of the constitutional rights of all Americans--the protector of our fundamental freedoms. The Attorney General of the United States has enormous power. He advises the President and every other Cabinet member--on whether their actions are constitutional.”