The Case of the Absentee Attorney, William Mercer, Montana

The Case of the Absentee Attorney, William Mercer, Montana

Although never confirmed by the U.S. Senate, William W. Mercer serves as the Acting Associate Attorney General of the United States, the third highest-ranking official in the Justice Department, and a member of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' inner circle. He has helped to formulate crucial Department of Justice Policies regarding expansion of federal powers, and his name has surfaced in connection with the firing of eight US Attorneys.1

He also serves as the US Attorney for the district of Montana.

How is it possible that William Mercer is charged with the task of overseeing himself? How does he do it despite having not been confirmed as Associate Attorney General? Is this a conflict of interest; are there others? And, as Acting Associate Attorney General, what policies has he pushed on an unsuspecting public?