May 21 (Bloomberg) -- President George W. Bush said Attorney General Alberto Gonzales continues to have his full support and dismissed as ``pure political theater'' Democratic proposals for no-confidence votes on the embattled Justice Department chief.

``He has got my confidence. He has done nothing wrong,'' Bush said today in response to a question during a news conference at his Texas ranch. ``I stand by Al Gonzales.''

The Senate and House Judiciary committees are investigating whether the firings of eight federal prosecutors last year stemmed from improper political influence. At least six Republicans have joined with Democrats in calling for Gonzales to step down.

Democratic Senators Charles Schumer of New York and Dianne Feinstein of California are proposing the Senate vote on a no- confidence resolution as soon as this week. In the House, Democrats Adam Schiff of California and Artur Davis of Alabama introduced a measure today that expresses no-confidence in Gonzales and calls on Bush to fire him.

``It is this kind of political theater that has caused the American people to lose confidence in how Washington operates,'' Bush said. He didn't directly address a question about whether he wants Gonzales to stay through the end of his term.

Schumer Response

Schumer, responding to Bush's comments, said Gonzales should be replaced to restore the public's faith in the Justice Department. ``The president should understand that, while he has confidence in Attorney General Gonzales, very few others do,'' Schumer said in a statement.

While a largely symbolic gesture, a vote of no confidence would add to the political pressure on Gonzales, 51, a longtime adviser to Bush who the president appointed as attorney general in 2005.

Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, the ranking Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said yesterday that Gonzales may resign rather than face a ``very substantial'' no-confidence vote. Specter is among the Republicans who have questioned whether Gonzales can continue to be effective in his job as the nation's chief law enforcement officer.

Gonzales is scheduled to fly tomorrow to Munich to attend meetings in connection with the G-8 summit. He will return to Washington on May 25.

To contact the reporter on this story: Holly Rosenkrantz in Washington at hrosenkrantz@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: May 21, 2007 15:41 EDT