WASHINGTON (CNN) - A retired federal judge is a leading candidate to replace Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, who announced his resignation last month, two sources familiar with the search for a replacement told CNN Saturday.
Michael B. Mukasey, 66, was nominated to the bench in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan, and was chief judge until September 2006 for the Southern District of New York, one of the nation's busiest and high profile U.S. court districts.
Gonzales, who was beset with controversy during his tenure, said he would resign Sept. 17. Solicitor General Paul Clement, the Justice Department's No. 3 official, will be acting attorney general until a successor is confirmed.
Full story: Sources: Retired judge may replace Gonzales