Mukasey Mum on Torture Techniques

Attorney General-designate Michael Mukasey testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007, before the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on his nomination. (AP Photos/Susan Walsh) (Susan Walsh - AP)

Specter also asked Mukasey to explain, in writing, specific objections to the proposed media shield law that would protect reporters from revealing confidential sources. Mukasey told senators the law would hinder prosecutors and could protect bloggers who are also spies or terrorists.

"The system worked passably well up until now," Mukasey said.

Congress says a media shield is necessary to protect reporters and government whistleblowers who reveal improper or illegal official activity. Fifty news outlets, including The Associated Press, support the legislation.

Senators welcomed many of Mukasey's answers during three hours of testimony. He told Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., that he would let posters be put up for events for gay and lesbian Justice Department employees. Posters have been banned in the past.

Mukasey also told Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., that he would keep a sharp eye on the millions of dollars spent each year for employees to attend conferences.

The hearing, though testy at times, left little doubt that Mukasey would be easily confirmed.

"The real test is going to be what kind of an attorney general you'll be," Leahy told Mukasey.

Mukasey responded: "The only thing I can tell you is that if you ultimately do repose trust in me, I'm going to spend the next however many months it is trying to vindicate that trust."