Though all signs indicate that Alberto Gonzales already has the necessary votes in the Senate to become the next Attorney General, his confirmation might not come so soon. CQ Today's Midday Update (free email service) reports:

Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee are expected to prolong the fight over Alberto R. Gonzales, President Bush's nominee to be attorney general, currently scheduled for a panel vote tomorrow. Under a Judiciary Committee rule, anyone can ask for a one-week delay on an item before the panel; Democrats plan to invoke that rule if the committee actually musters a quorum to meet tomorrow. Gonzales is widely expected to win the committee's approval -- and ultimately to be confirmed by the full Senate -- but he continues to face criticism for his role in developing the administration's legal strategy on detained terror suspects. A few panel Democrats are expected to vote against Gonzales' nomination, possibly including Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts and Charles E. Schumer of New York. On CBS' "Face The Nation" on Sunday, Kennedy said he was "leaning against" Gonzales. "I wasn't satisfied with his responses."

Gonzales, like many of Bush's other second term nominees, is a relatively controversial figure, despite having the votes for confirmation. Given his meager record on human and civil rights, it's very understandable that the Democrats plan on delaying his confirmation, even if it would only be a symbolic act.