Spin Cycle

With deliberations over AG nominee Michael Mukasey coming to a head, this story in Newsday looks at Chuck Schumer's dilemma.

He proposed and backed Mukasey, but now Mukasey's refusal to promise to ban waterboarding as torture has Dems moving against him, and Schumer may end up with the deciding vote on Judiciary. Statement: "No nominee from this administration will agree with us on torture and wiretapping. The best we can hope for is someone who will rebuild the Justice Department and remain independent, even when pressured by this administration. I am weighing if Judge Mukasey is that person."

He said a bit more to the Washington Post -- did the Baileys move to the Beltway??? -- and compared Mukasey to SC Justice John Roberts, who he voted against: "He's the best we can get, but that doesn't necessarily ensure a yes vote. I thought John Roberts was the best we could get, but I voted no."