Testimony In Gonzales Case Says Maybe San Francisco AG Deserved It?

You've undoubted heard by now of the controversy where AG AG (That's Attorney General Alberto Gonzales) fired a bunch of people for apparently less than above-board reasons.

Well, maybe he had a good excuse for forcing out Kevin Ryan, former local U.S. Attorney. An article in the Washington Post cites the tesitmony that David Margolis, a Justice Department official, gave to congressional investigators. His testimony indicated that his opinion circa 2004 or 2005 was that Kevin Ryan was "having trouble managing [his office]." Furthermore, according to the article, Margolis said that Ryan wasn't on the initial "to be fired" list--and that Margolis indicated surprise on learning that.

Ryan's a local -- a St. Ignatius grad, even. Was Ryan actually a sub-par employee? Who knows -- his announcment of departure lists some seemingly concrete accomplishments. ePlubaris has a slightly more balanced view. But, still -- was he fired with merit -- or did some Washington fatcats or political appointees have it in for him?

More of the story keeps coming out in dribs and drabs, and most will be AGAG-centric--so you may have to look closely to see if any more San Francisco-centric news pops up amidst this controversy (but, hey, that's why here).