File photo of US Attorney General John Ashcroft applauding President Bush, 2001-11-29 (photo)

U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft (L) applauds during remarks made by U.S. President George W. Bush to U.S. attorneys visiting the White House, in this November 29, 2001 file photo. Ashcroft and Commerce Secretary Donald Evans resigned in a post-election shake-up of Bush's Cabinet, the White House announced on November 9, 2004. Ashcroft, a lightning rod of criticism by Democrats and civil liberties groups over the anti-terror policies implemented after Sept. 11, 2001, said in a handwritten resignation letter that "the demands of justice are both rewarding and depleting" and that the Justice Department would be well served "by new leadership and fresh inspiration." REUTERS/Larry Downing REUTERS SV