The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved the nomination of Michael Mukasey as attorney general. Democratic Senators Chuck Schumer of New York and Dianne Feinstein of California joined all nine Republicans on the panel in backing Mukasey. Eight Democrats voted against. Mukasey’s confirmation was initially in doubt after he refused to condemn waterboarding as a form of torture. His nomination is expected to go to the Senate floor by next week where his confirmation is virtually assured.