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ATTORNEY GENERAL STATEMENT

WASHINGTON, D.C.Attorney General John Ashcroft today issued the following statement regarding President Bush's nomination of Bob Mueller to be Director of the FBI:

• "I am very pleased by the President's decision to nominate Bob Mueller to head the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

• "He is a dedicated public servant who brings a wealth of experience to this job. I saw first hand his strong ability to manage when he served as the Acting Deputy Attorney General at the Department of Justice during the first few months of my tenure. I was grateful to have the benefit of his experience and good judgment during that time.

• "He has served in numerous capacities at the Justice Department for both Republican and Democrat administrations. With an expertise in criminal law that is broad and deep, he is well equipped to lead the our nation's top law enforcement agency.

• "I am confident, once confirmed, he will carry out the duties of this post with honor and integrity."

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