After one of the closest elections in history, one of the most controversial confirmation hearings for President-elect George W. Bush’s administration begins today with the U.S. Attorney General appointee, John Ashcroft.Ashcroft’s conservative stances have prompted criticism from activist groups, which may appeal to the right-wing population in Washington, said local political experts.”I think Ashcroft makes the conservative base happy, and Bush needed to find a couple cabinet picks to please the conservatives,” said Aaron Fister, president and producer of ISU9’s “Politics Unlimited” and junior in management information systems.Ashcroft has been criticized by more than 200 liberal special-interest groups, and Missouri Supreme Court Justice Ronnie White will be testifying against Ashcroft at his confirmation hearing. This criticism is considered unfair by many Republican leaders.”As a senator, governor and attorney general of Missouri, [Ashcroft] has always been very inclusive during his tenure, working with all races, religions and Democrats,” said Chad Barth, communications director for the Republican Party of Iowa. “Many people are trying to say he is a racist because of his stances on the death penalty and opposition of Ronnie White, but he has supported many other minorities for federal judgeships.”Barth said it is likely Ashcroft will be confirmed because of Republican support, even though special-interest groups are trying to sway some moderate Republicans. He said support for Ashcroft has also been shown by some members of the Democratic Party.”He has always tried to uphold the law in Missouri as a senator, and that is what this country needs,” Barth said.However, Democratic leaders said those opposed to Ashcroft are not being unreasonable.”I think the special-interest groups are making valid arguments and expressing their rights for free speech and concern for where America is going to be headed the next four years,” said Andy Tofilon, ISU Democrats member.Although there is opposition, Ashcroft has been a public servant of Missouri for 22 years, and he will rise above this situation to be the chief law-enforcement official, said Tofilon, junior in journalism and mass communication.”I think the reason that Ashcroft is going to have a tough confirmation is because, for the last six years, the Republicans gave Clinton’s appointees a tough time, and that has become the standard for Washington,” said Steffen Schmidt, university professor of political science. “I think the Democrats want to draw blood to get back at Republicans for the last six years.”Schmidt said there is great disagreement among groups about Ashcroft’s specific policies.”I think there is a 50-50 chance that Ashcroft will be confirmed,” he said. “As I watch this situation, I see more and more Democrats who are saying that they will not support him, even though the courtesy is to confirm the president appointee.”Robert Lowry, associate professor of political science, said the former senator’s stance against abortion has caused the most opposition.”I think it will be close, but since Bush is willing to fight for this one, I think that he will be confirmed,” Lowry said.