H/t Ace. US News and World Reports reports:

The buzz among top Bushies is that beleaguered Attorney General Alberto Gonzales finally plans to depart and will be replaced by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. Why Chertoff? Officials say he’s got fans on Capitol Hill, is untouched by the Justice prosecutor scandal, and has more experience than Gonzales did, having served as a federal judge and assistant attorney general.

Too bad he doesn’t have fans amongst the American people. Chertoff. The man who accused pro-enforcement Americans of wanting to execute illegal aliens. Chertoff. The man charged with protecting Americans, but more concerned with protecting illegals and their employers. As Attorney General? Ace writes:

Here’s a rumor that I hope isn’t true. Michael Chertoff has been a spectacular failure as head of DHS. I can’t imagine he’ll be any better as Attorney General.

Setting aside his pre-DHS role formulating early Administration war policy–policy that was easily predicted to be slapped down by the Supreme Court and which was at least three times for falling seriously short of complying with domestic and international law–he has consistently championed President Bush’s pro-amnesty efforts while simultaneously cracking down on those immigrants who most deserve a little lee-way (LPRs and refugees).

The (mis)administration of federal Hurricane Katrina relief has also been his responsibility.

More than that, he’s shown a dangerously thin skin for such a high-profile cabinet member, often chastising critics and even getting into a spat with a Congressman.

He should be retired, not shuffled.