(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Alberto Gonzales remains a divisive figure in the United States, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 41 per cent of respondents think the U.S. attorney general should resign, 28 per cent believe he should not, and 31 per cent are not sure.

In November 2004, U.S. president George W. Bush nominated White House counsel Gonzales to take over from John Ashcroft as the country's attorney general. Gonzales assumed office in February 2005.

In December 2006, seven U.S. attorneys and an Arkansas prosecutor received a dismissal notification by the Justice Department. Six of these eight attorneys had positive internal performance records. Democrats in Congress contend that the firings were politically motivated.

In an editorial published in USA Today on Mar. 6, Gonzales said the dismissals took place "for reasons related to policy, priorities and management. (...) We have never asked a U.S. attorney to resign in an effort to retaliate against him or her."

On Mar. 12, Gonzales acknowledged mistakes, declaring, "I believe very strongly in our obligation to ensure that when we provide information to the Congress, it is accurate and it is complete. And I am very dismayed that that may not have occurred here."

On Aug. 1, in a three-page letter sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee, Gonzales discussed his testimony about recent national security efforts, saying, "I recognize that the use of the term 'Terrorist Surveillance Program' and my shorthand reference to the 'program' publicly 'described by the president' may have created confusion." 35 per cent of respondents say it is very or somewhat likely that Gonzales will step down, down 12 points since March.

Original Release from Rasmussen Reports

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