Newt Gingrich says time to fire Gonzales

April 8, 2007

New York - Newt Gingrich, who will likely announce his presidential bid in the fall, is now calling for Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' firing.

Gingrich, appearing on Fox "News", said Gonzales "totally mishandled" the dismissal of eight U.S. attorneys, despite the fact that the president has the legal right to dismiss prosecutors.

Gingrich called the situation a "mess" caused by Gonzales and his staff. "I cannot imagine how he is going to be effective for the rest of this administration," Gingrich said. "I think the country would be much better served to have a new team at the Justice Department."

Gingrich has said he will decide later this year whether to seek the Republican presidential nomination for 2008.