The chips are in. After testing the waters on Capitol Hill, President Bush announced his pick — former federal judge Michael B. Mukasey — to replace former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

Early signs are encouraging. Mukasey has a solid legal career and is widely viewed as a Washington outsider — a quality that has already scored points with Democrats. Prior to his resignation, Gonzales was sharply criticized for his inability to separate his role as the nation's attorney from that of Bush's personal counsel.

"Judge Mukasey seems to be the kind of nominee who would put the rule of law first and show independence from the White House, our most important criteria," Senate Democrat Charles Schumer told the New York Times.

The White House wants to seal the deal with the Senate before Congress' Oct. 8 recess.

But not so fast, folks.

Selecting the next AG (this would be the third one during Bush's tenure) deserves careful review. And Mukasey, if confirmed, will need a mighty impressive tool kit to fix the damage waiting for him at the Department of Justice.

The DOJ remains embroiled in a demoralizing mess following scathing congressional hearings on the politically motivated dismissal of at least eight U.S. attorneys. Sagging morale resulted in an exodus, including the departure of its top three administrators. The head of the Civil Rights Division, criticized for failing to promote civil liberties, also resigned. And the department is still feeling the sting over its support of the administration's warrantless wiretapping policy.

The Senate has the responsibility to restore public faith by ensuring that the next AG brings the highest ideals — dignity, integrity and an unshakable commitment to justice and the rule of law — to the position. Another apologist for the administration will not do.