>DOJ: Matt Whitaker consulting ethics officials about recusal
>Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker is discussing with Justice Department senior ethics officials if he should recuse himself from oversight of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation.
>“Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker is fully committed to following all appropriate processes and procedures at the Department of Justice, including consulting with senior ethics officials on his oversight responsibilities and matters that may warrant recusal,” Justice Department spokesperson Kerri Kupec said in a statement to the Washington Examiner.
>The statement came amid mounting calls from Democrats that Whitaker should recuse himself, and leave oversight to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein — the man that appointed Mueller 18 months ago and has had oversight responsibilities ever since.
>Last week, President Trump named Whitaker acting attorney general after the forced resignation of former Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
>Democrats have asserted that Sessions’ ouster was an attempt by Trump to undermine Mueller's investigation.
>On Monday, top Democratic lawmakers asked Lee Lofthus, the assistant attorney general for administration at the Justice Department, if he has advised Whitaker to recuse himself. Lofthus is also the department’s chief ethics officer.
>Citing Whitaker’s multiple public remarks about the special counsel investigation, the Democrats said in a Sunday letter to Lofthus that he has “troubling conflicts of interest,” which include his relationship with Sam Clovis, who supervised George Papadopoulos.
>The letter came after top House Democrats were on numerous Sunday shows, warning Whitaker that if he does not recuse, he will be called immediately in to testify when they gain control of the House in January.
>"Acting AG Whitaker is a well-qualified and respected former U.S. Attorney who Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein on Friday called 'a superb choice.' He has the confidence of the President, Department of Justice leadership, and key leaders in Congress," said Kupec on Sunday in response to Democrats.
>There has been legislation introduced in both the House and Senate that has bipartisan backing that would protect Mueller from being fired by Trump. The legislation would ensure the only figure with the authority to remove or penalize the special counsel could be the highest ranking official at the Justice Department confirmed by the Senate.
>Rosenstein is currently the highest official at the agency who was confirmed by the Senate.
>There were renewed calls to pass that legislation, including by Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.
>https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/doj-says-matthew-whitaker-will-consult-ethics-officials-about-recusal
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Noel Francisco the Solicitor General.
He would be next in line.
Pannucio is a temp whose term is up.
Francisco has already been confirmed by the Senate.