The Ashcroft Battle: Confirmation Fight

With such a vast fief, every AG must decide where to devote limited money and manpower. The Carter Justice Department focused on white-collar crime. Four years later, Ronald Reagan's zeroed in on organized crime and drugs. Ashcroft's opponents question whether he will diligently prosecute civil rights violations, which include not only discrimination but also blocking access to abortion clinics. Will big polluters face environmental prosecution? Will Ashcroft press the government's case against Microsoft as the company appeals?

What may frighten Ashcroft's detractors most is the role he will have in appointing judges to the federal bench. Although the President has the final word, the Attorney General has a big hand in selecting candidates. With the recent Supreme Court decision fresh in the nation's mind, the importance of lifetime appointees to the bench is clear to both sides.

--M.F.