Chertoff ‘Happy’ to Stay Until the ‘Very Last Day’

ABC News’ Jack Date and Theresa Cook Report:  Extinguishing rumors that he is headed for the door, Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff told the House Homeland Security Committee Wednesday, "Like everybody else in a Senate-confirmed position, I serve at the pleasure of the President, and so long as it pleases him to have me serve in this position, and of course, God willing, I’m happy to continue to do this job up until the very last day of the administration."

Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., asked Chertoff about the possibility that he might get a promotion, implying that he would be asked to be the next attorney general. 

Chertoff stuck to his guns, saying "it would be presumptuous for me to speak for the President."  He added, "I’ve stated my position… I’ve indicated what my intent is."

The current AG, Alberto Gonzales, announced his resignation Aug. 27; his last day at the Department is Sept. 17.  There has been wide speculation that Chertoff, a former Assistant Attorney General, U.S. Attorney, and federal judge, would be tapped to succeed Gonzales.

The Justice Department’s Solicitor General, Paul Clement, has been named interim attorney general, and will assume the post upon Gonzales’ departure. 

Clement will likely hold the position until the White House names a replacement and the Senate confirms that nominee.