In December 2000, following his Senatorial defeat, Ashcroft was chosen for the position of U.S. attorney general by president-elect George W. Bush. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate by a vote of 58 to 42, with most Democratic senators voting against him, citing his prior opposition to using busing to achieve school desegregation, and their opposition to Ashcroft's opposition to abortion. At the time of his appointment, he was known to be a member of the Federalist Society.
in december 2000 following his senatorial defeat ashcroft was chosen for the position of us attorney general by president-elect george w bush he was confirmed by the us senate by a vote of 58 to 42 with most democratic senators voting against him citing his prior opposition to using busing to achieve school desegregation and their opposition to ashcroft's opposition to abortion at the time of his appointment he was known to be a member of the federalist society