Former Attorney General staffer Monica Goodling and her cohorts had some pretty queer hiring practices.

A Department of Justice report confirmed today that Goodling, who worked as a White House liaison for A.G. Alberto Gonzales' office, considered political affiliation, influence and sexuality when considering new hires:

Several witnesses provided credible testimony that one of the reasons for Goodling’s actions was the alleged sexual orientation of the AUSA.
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We concluded that Goodling’s actions violated Department policy and federal law, and constituted misconduct.

In addition, we believe [Executive Office for the United States Attorneys Executive Director Michael] Battle should have raised concerns about Goodling’s actions. In this instance, Battle knew that Goodling had considered sexual orientation as a reason to deny the [Assistant U.S. Attorney] an extension of her EOUSA detail.

Sexuality wasn't the only litmus test, of course. One man was rejected because his resume "appeared to be a liberal Democrat."

There's no word on whether the staffers will face charges, although some Congressional investigators may pursue perjury for the lies Goodling and others told during Congressional hearings.

Hear's a PDF of the DOJ's ruling, if you're interested.

Alberto Gonzales and his cronies may have even more skeletons in their closet!

NPR reports that federal officials are investigating whether the fallen Attorney General's staff hired and fired on more than just administrative allegiance, like sexuality.

According to sources, the Justice Department's former Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Monica Goodling took a queer interest in Leslie Hagen, who worked as liaison between the Department and federal attorneys before getting sacked in October of 2006:

Justice Department e-mails obtained by NPR show that Gonzales's senior counsel Monica Goodling had a particular interest in Hagen's duties. A few months before Hagen was let go, according to one e-mail, Goodling removed part of Hagen's job portfolio — the part dealing with child exploitation and abuse.
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The Justice Department's inspector general is looking into whether Hagen was dismissed after a rumor reached Goodling that Hagen is lesbian.

As one Republican source put it, "To some people, that's even worse than being a Democrat."
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Someone who worked in Hagen's office says that in a 2006 meeting, senior officials were told that Hagen's contract would not be renewed because someone on the attorney general's staff had a problem with Hagen. The problem, it was suggested during the conversation, was sexual orientation — or what was rumored to be Hagen's sexual orientation.

Hagen received favorable reviews during her tenure at the Department. And, in fact, staffers described her as the most qualified candidate. More importantly to this case, Hagen pledged all of her allegiance to the GOP, which should have made her a perfect pawn for Goodling and her boss, Gonzales.

Investigators also circulated a questionnaire asking applicants if Goodling inquired about their sexuality, which would be a red flag of discriminatory action. Or, rather, pink flag…