President Bush is close to naming a new U.S. Attorney General to lead the Department of Justice.
Former Solicitor General Theodore B. Olson is considered to be one of the top contenders. He argued for limits on the trust responsibility during the early years of the Bush administration.
In private practice, Olson represented a white rancher who successfully challenged a Native Hawaiian election before the U.S. Supreme Court. He is currently representing a Canadian company that is trying to avoid liability for polluting the Colville Reservation in Washington.
Olson's nomination is likely to generate opposition from Democrats, who consider him a staunch partisan.
One other potential nominee -- former deputy attorney general Larry D. Thompson, who might have had an easier confirmation -- is said to have told the White House he doesn't want the job.
Outgoing Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' last day is September 17.
Get the Story:Bush Nearing Attorney General Pick (AP 9/11)
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Bush nears decision on Gonzales replacement: aides (Reuters 9/11)
Bush Nearing Choice to Lead Justice Dept. (The New York Times 9/12)
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