Retired federal judge Michael B Mukasey has been nominated by US President George W Bush to succeed Alberto R Gonzales as attorney general.

The White House leader said Mukasey has the necessary experience for such an important job and can protect Americans against “deadly enemies.”

Now, the former New York judge has to be confirmed by the Senate as the 81st Attorney General, a position that has remained vacant after Gonzales stepped down amid criticism from Democrats.

Mukasey presided over several high-profile terrorism trials, sentencing the “blind sheikh” Omar Abdel Rahman to life in prison for plotting to destroy New York landmarks and the bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993.

Also, the 66-year-old law enforcement officer decided that the US citizen and alleged terrorist Jose Padilla could be held as an “illegal combatant,” but has the right to see a lawyer.

Speaking at the White House, Bush outlined the important role played by the head of the Justice Department in the war on terrorism.

“The attorney general has an especially vital role to play in a time of war,” President Bush said. “Judge Mukasey brings impressive credentials to this task.”

When speaking about his mission, Mukasey made a comparison between the challenges faced during the Cold War and the current threats, but underlined that he will follow the same principle: “to pursue justice by enforcing the law with unswerving fidelity to the Constitution.”

“Thirty-five years ago, our foreign adversaries saw widespread devastation as a deterrent. Today, our fanatical enemies see it as a divine fulfillment,” Mukasey said.

“The Justice Department must also protect the safety of our children… the rights and liberties that define us as a nation,” he added.

Mukasey’s nomination was welcomed by Senate Democrats, who said he is capable of maintaining an objective stance, in contrast with his predecessor, Gonzales.

“A man who spent 18 years on the federal bench surely understands the importance of checks and balances and knows how to say no to the president when he oversteps the constitution,” the Senate Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid said.

Gonzales was heavily criticized by Democrats, who accused him of playing an important role in the dismissal of eight federal prosecutors in 2006. The firings had an alleged political background and Gonzales made contradictory statements when confronting an inquiry.

He gave in under the pressure exerted by the politicians and announced his resignation last month, officially stepping down on Monday.