Ending months of speculation, rumor, and criticism from political opponents and GOP supporters, it is being reported that Attorny General Alberto Gonzales has resigned.

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has resigned, ending a months-long standoff with Republican and Democratic critics who called for his ouster over the Justice Department’s botched handling of FBI terror investigations and the firing of U.S. attorneys, officials said Monday.

The discussion is quickly becoming about his replacement.

The likely temporary replacement for Gonzales is Solicitor General Paul Clement, who would take over until a permanent replacement is found, according to a senior administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

One name that has popped up is DHS chairman Michael Chertoff. (h/t: Sister Toldjah)

I agree with many on the right who are of the opinion that Gonzales needed to go, not due to any illegality in the US Attorney firings, but because of the way he handled that situation and others. Captain Ed:

No one did anything illegal in terminating the federal prosecutors, but Gonzales and his team made it into a royal botch-up anyway. Gonzales really should have resigned after telling people publicly that the attorneys had performance issues when their reviews showed that they had performed well. That set off a series of statements that Gonzales had to retract or clarify, including some in Senate testimony that made him appear as though he hardly had anything to do with running the Department of Justice.

Similarly, see Brian’s addition to the Liberty Pundit post linked below.

As for the effect this will have on the current investigation-happy Congress, Don Surber has the perfect line — and response:

Following the departure of Karl Rove, this clears the deck for the Democratic Congress to drop its incessant investigations of the Bush administration — and legislate instead of investigate.

Not that they will. [T]here is a bloodlust in the hearts of Democrats to punish George Bush and his staff. This goes beyond anger and is a way of intimidating people from joining a Republican administration.

A news conference is scheduled for 10:30 (EDT).

Others Blogging:
Liberty Pundit
Wizbang
Michelle Malkin