Bush complains about lengthy US prosecutors probe

WASHINGTON, May 24 (Reuters) President George W Bush complained today the congressional investigation into the firings of nine US prosecutors was taking too long and reaffirmed his support for Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

''I would hope the Senate and the Congress would move expeditiously to finish their hearings and get on to the business of passing legislation,'' Bush said during a news conference. ''It's just grand political theater.'' Despite numerous calls by Democrats and even some of Bush's fellow Republicans for Gonzales to resign, the president said: ''I've got confidence in Al Gonzales doing the job.'' Bush's affirmation of support came a day after Gonzales' former aide Monica Goodling admitted to Congress she improperly weighed job candidates' political beliefs when considering them for career positions at the Justice Department.

She also contradicted Gonzales' testimony to Congress that he had not gone back to talk to staff involved in the firings, saying they discussed the matter shortly before she resigned and that she was uncomfortable with the conversation.

Bush also said an ''exhaustive'' internal Justice Department investigation was under way into allegations about the firings and the agency's hiring practices.

''And if there's wrongdoing, it will be taken care of,'' he said.

The Justice Department fired nine of the country's 93 US attorneys last year, most on the same day. Critics charge some of the firings were politically motivated to affect ongoing federal probes involving Democratic or Republican lawmakers.

The administration said initially the dismissals were performance related, then said they involved policy differences. Internal documents show perceived loyalty to Bush was also a factor.

The Bush administration has denied there was anything improper about the firings though acknowledged that the process had been mishandled.

Still, questions about Gonzales' involvement and candor have ratcheted up pressure on him to resign and Democrats who are in control of Congress may soon schedule a nonbinding no-confidence vote, a highly unusual move.

Reuters SLD DB2231