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Murray and other Democrats said they were troubled that Mukasey refused to recognize waterboarding as torture and to say outright that it is illegal. Waterboarding is a brutal interrogation technique that creates the sensation of drowning.

“My fear is that his failure to simply answer the question is an indication of a willingness to mold laws to the desire of the president, rather than to ensure the president abides by the law,” Murray said. -- Associated Press story on why Senator Patty Murray, D-WA, voted against Michael Mukasey’s nomination for Attorney General


“Judge Mukasey's answers to questions about executive power, especially regarding surveillance that may involve U.S. citizens, are troubling. I cannot support his nomination.” -- Senator Maria Cantwell, D-WA, on why she voted against Michael Mukasey’s nomination for Attorney General


“I will vote against the nomination of Judge Mukasey to be the next Attorney General. This was a difficult decision, as Judge Mukasey has many impressive qualities. . . . At this point in our history, however, the country also needs an Attorney General who will tell the President that he cannot ignore the laws passed by Congress.” -- Senator Russ Feingold, D-WI, on why he voted against Michael Mukasey’s nomination for Attorney General


“No nominee from this administration will agree with us on things like torture and wiretapping.” -- Senator Charles Schumer, D-NY, explaining why he voted for Attorney General Michael Mukasey