* FORMER MASSACHUSETTS REPUBLICAN GOV. MITT ROMNEY: "I believe the attorney general made the right decision to step aside. The resignation is an opportunity for President Bush to renew the nation's commitment to the law enforcement officers and personnel who are dedicated to enforcing the rule of law and protecting the American people from the threat of terrorism around the globe."

* FORMER NEW YORK CITY REPUBLICAN MAYOR RUDY GIULIANI: "Judge Gonzales served his nation honorably and I wish him well in the next phase of his career."