It seems to be an "open secret" that Aschroft's going to go before the election. I have no idea if this is actually true - but, my guess is that it's a pretty decent election season strategy. As deserving of being thrown over as Ashcroft is, he can sort of be the "bad incompetent guy" who wasn't actually central to the Bush War President narrative. Throwing that little soccer ball out for the kool kids to chase will take their attention of all of the other people who should resign