Shortly after the 2004 election and soon after I became Attorney General, my then-deputy-chief-of-staff Kyle Sampson told me that then-Counsel to the President Harriet Miers had inquired about replacing all 93 U.S. Attorneys. Mr. Sampson and I both agreed that replacing all 93 U.S. Attorneys would be disruptive and unwise. However, I believed it would be appropriate and a good management decision to evaluate the U.S. Attorneys and determine the districts where a change may be beneficial to the Department.
Then why was this email sent to all USA's and other Dept of Justice appointees?
Email Date: 11/4/2004Many of you have sought guidance regarding the Administration to the President's second term. This message serves to convey the entirety of the information we have at this point, and as more information becomes available it will be shared with you.
First, the President is tremendously grateful to you, and to every member of his team, for your hard work over the past four years. He recognizes the sacrifices that you and your family have made to enable you to serve, and he is deeply appreciative. America has looked at the President's record -- continuing success in the war on terror, violent crime at a 30-year low, and declining drug use among America's youth, among other successes -- and asked him to stay on the job. He is honored and humbled by the privilege to serve, as I know each of you are.
Second, as we move into this transition period, the President has decided that he will not ask for letters of resignation. That said, as always, each of us serves at the pleasure of the President.
Third, some of you have expressed interest in serving in other capacities in the Administration, both within the Department and elsewhere. If you would like to be considered for other opportunities, please let me know what position(s) and agency or agencies you are interested in and I will work together with White House Presidential Personnel on those matters.
Additionally, if you are intending to leave the Administration within the next three months, please let me know that as well.
As we move forward, the Attorney General thanks you for your continued service and asks that you stay focused on the job at hand. While it is appropriate and good to celebrate successes, we cannot let it detract from the ongoing critical mission of the Department. Thank you again, and please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Susan
Susan M Richmond
Advisor to the Attorney General
& White House Liaison
Office of the Attorney General
U.S. Department of Justice
By that email it strongly suggests that all of the USA's believed they could have been replaced before their 4 year term had expired.