York County District Attorney Mark Lawrence applauded the resignation of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales today, but noted that it will not undo the damage.
"Alberto Gonzales turned the Justice Department into a political tool for the Bush Administration," said Lawrence. "In doing so, he undermined every
prosecutor in America."
District Attorney Lawrence cited the firing of U.S. Attorneys for political reasons and warrantless wiretapping as the Attorney General's most egregious
offenses.
A candidate for Congress, Lawrence urged the Legislative Branch to continue to review potential abuses of the public's civil liberties by the
Administration.
"Congress's role is oversight. The executive branch cannot be allowed to run rough-shod over the constitution," noted Lawrence. "You cannot have
democracy without the rule of law."
Lawrence stated that vigorous oversight of the executive branch would be one of his top priorities in Congress.