Mukasey Gave Up Possible Corporate Monitor Gig After AG Nomination

Attorney General Michael Mukasey was close to obtaining a job as a corporate monitor but gave up the assignment after he was nominated to become the AG.

Justice Department spokesman Peter Carr told the Washington Post that Mukasey, a former federal judge, was one of several people being considered to become a monitor for a corporation that had agreed to hire an overseer under a deferred prosecution agreement. "He was approached while in private practice but was nominated to be attorney general before the selection process was complete," Carr said.

The House and Senate judiciary committees are seeking more information about the appointment of corporate monitors amid questions about whether prosecutors are rewarding political pals with the lucrative work. The move came after reports that a consulting firm of former Attorney General John Ashcroft obtained a no-bid contract for such work, reportedly at the direction of New Jersey’s U.S. attorney.

Mukasey will be questioned about corporate monitors at a House Judiciary Committee hearing today.