Bush Saddened by Gonzales Resignation

ABC News’ Jennifer Duck Reports: President Bush said Attorney General Alberto Gonzales is resigning due to unfair treatment that caused harmful distractions at the Department of Justice.  Bush said he was saddened by the resignation and the fact Gonzales’s name was "dragged through the mud for political reasons."

"After months of unfair treatment that has created a harmful distraction at the Justice Department, Judge Gonzales decided to resign his position and I accept his decision. It’s sad that we live in a time when a talented and honorable person like Alberto Gonzales is impeded from doing important work because his good name was dragged through the mud for political reasons," Bush said before departing Texas for a private reception in New Mexico and a stop later in the day to Washington state.

Bush added, "Al Gonzales is a man of integrity, decency and principle" and noted the attorney general’s "outstanding job" as White House counsel, his role in shaping policies in the war on terror, and helping confirm Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alito to the Supreme Court.

President Bush recruited Gonzales as his general counsel when Bush became Governor of Texas in 1995.  Bush called Gonzales a "trusted advisor" that became "a close friend," in a statement to the press Monday.

The President has repeatedly defended Gonzales after testimonies and investigations on Capitol Hill, insisting Gonzales has done nothing wrong and asserting full confidence in his close friend.

"I haven’t seen Congress say he’s done anything wrong.  As a matter of fact, I believe, we’re watching a political exercise. I mean, this is a man who has testified, he’s sent thousands of papers up there. There’s no proof of wrong. Why would I hold somebody accountable who has done nothing wrong?" Bush said in a news conference earlier this month.

After Gonzales departs in mid-September, Solicitor General Paul Clement will act as Attorney General until a nominee is confirmed by the Senate.