Among the names being bandied about as a replacement: popular former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who campaigned hard for President Bush's re-election.

Former California governor Jerry Brown noted on Fox News Channel early this afternoon that Bush's conservative base might find it hard to accept the pro-abortion Giuliani, should the president choose to nominate him.

Update: The Associated Press this afternoon quoted "senior aides" as saying Ashcroft was likely to leave before Bush's second term begins in January.

"Names that have been floated in recent weeks as a possible replacement include Ashcroft's former deputy, Larry Thompson, who would become the first black attorney general. Others include Marc Racicot, who was Bush's campaign manager, and White House general counsel Alberto Gonzales, who would give Bush a notable Hispanic appointment," AP said.

"Also sometimes mentioned is former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, but his spokeswoman said he's not interested. 'Rudy Giuliani is not taking John Ashcroft's job,' Sunny Mindel said."

However, Giuliani has said recently that "you don't rule things like that out" if the president offers a Cabinet post.

More likely bets for AG, however, are Gonzales or Thompson.

Editor's note: