Schumer, Feinstein, Come out in Support of Mukasey

Attorney General nominee Michael Mukasey appears to be on the way to confirmation in the Senate when two key members came out in support of his nomination:

The nomination fight over attorney general nominee Michael B. Mukasey effectively came to an end yesterday, as two key Senate Democrats parted from their colleagues and announced their support for the former judge despite his controversial statements on torture.

The orchestrated announcements by Sens. Charles E. Schumer (N.Y.) and Dianne Feinstein (Calif.) virtually guarantee that Mukasey will be approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, to be followed by his likely confirmation in the full Senate later in the month. Senate Judiciary Committee 

The developments mark an important political victory for President Bush, who mounted a spirited and aggressive defense of Mukasey in recent days. They also underscore the pitfalls facing Democrats as the party struggles to stake out an independent policy on national security issues during a presidential campaign season.

Once again, the President has apparently outmanuevered the Democrats thanks to a spirited campaign the last few days to put pressure on the Democrats to confirm Mukasey. Despite some questions about the nominee's position on torture, Schumer and Feinstein appear ready to give him the benefit of the doubt.

A vote is expected later this month.