AG Prediction: Gonzalez out, Hatch in

Alberto Gonzalez may be holding on as head of the Justice Department until next weekend when Congress takes its Memorial Day break, which would allow W an immediate recess appointment to fill the post.

This makes sense. And this means Bush may already have Al's successor lined up.

To avoid further antagonisms with Congress, I predict the choice is.....Orrin Hatch of Utah.

He's not up for reelection until 2012. He's bored silly, and it shows. The prospect of the Democrats firmly retaking the Senate and the White House can't be too exciting for a Republican unless you're a young firebrand, which he isn't. Being in the minority is probably the same reason John Warner of Virginia is going to retire before his '08 reelection.

So, finishing up as AG is a nice "resume closer" for lawyer Hatch. Senators on both sides of the aisle always approve one of their own, and when Bush blessedly exits the stage it will be said that Orrin restored trust with the legislative branch, integrity to the Department, blah blah blah.

It's just a prediction, but the Alberto part is right. Everyone knows he's toast.