U.S. Justice Department

SG Steps onto Political Stage

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U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement, a self-described law geek, has been thrust into the political spotlight in the controversy over the firings of at least eight U.S. attorneys.

As the highest ranking Justice Department official who was not involved in the hirings, Clement is charged with overseeing the DOJ’s own probe into the incident.

The Wall Street Journal (sub. req.) describes Clement as “one of the conservative legal movement’s brightest stars,” praised by both Democrats and Republicans for his appellate advocacy skills.

He’ll face some tough choices as Congress demands records of internal deliberations and the White House exerts claims of executive privilege, the newspaper reports.

His handling of the matter could determine whether he rises to Attorney General or even a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court, the article concludes.

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