Alberto Gonzales, the nation's first Hispanic attorney general, announced his resignation Monday _ ending a nasty, monthslong standoff over his honesty and competence at the helm of the Justice Department.

Not only is he out, but there's no one in the wings. That's new. Rummy-Gates, already there. Fleisher-Scotty-Snow, all ready on the spot. O'Neil-Snow, set. Ashcroft-Fredo, set. Fredo-ummmm.... Whoops.