Newsweek Poll: Most believe Firings of US Atty's Political

[AnnInLa]

By Richard Wolffe
Newsweek
Updated: 5:34 a.m. CT March 17, 2007

March 17, 2007 - A clear majority of the public believes the Bush administration’s firing of eight U.S. attorneys was politically motivated, according to a new NEWSWEEK poll. And the survey showed only weak support for Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

Fifty-eight percent of those surveyed–including 45 percent of Republicans–say the ouster of the federal prosecutors was driven by political concerns. Those attitudes seem to reflect a broader view of the Bush administration’s approach. When asked if the administration has introduced politics into too many areas of government, 47 percent said they agree.

The NEWSWEEK poll results offer little good news for Gonzales, who faces pressure to resign from Democrats and a handful of Republicans. Fewer than one third (32 percent) of those surveyed want him to stay remain in his job, while slightly more than one third (35 percent) say he should quit. Another third say they don’t know what Gonzales should do as a result of the slow-burning controversy. The poll’s margin of error is plus or minus 4 points.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17654774/site/newsweek/