FACTBOX: Attorney General Michael Mukasey

(Reuters) - The Senate on Thursday confirmed President George W. Bush's nomination of retired federal judge Michael Mukasey as attorney general.

Here are some facts about Mukasey, 66, picked to replace Alberto Gonzales who resigned under pressure amid complaints he had been a political tool of the White House.

-- Mukasey initially received broad support among senators who praised him as a fair and independent-minded nominee. But he drew fire when he refused to denounce as unlawful torture a centuries-old interrogation technique known as waterboarding, simulated drowning. Mukasey said he finds waterboarding "repugnant," but would be unable to determine its legality until he examines classified U.S. interrogation policies.

-- Mukasey also vowed at his Senate confirmation hearing to stand up to the White House in the pursuit of justice, conduct a legal review of administration's policies, and resign if Bush ignored his advice and violated the law.

-- Mukasey riled some senators over Bush's warrantless domestic spying program. Asked if the president is required to comply with federal law that requires court approval of wiretaps, Mukasey said: "That would have to depend on whether what goes on outside the statute nonetheless lies with the authority of the president to defend the country."

-- Mukasey said he believes Congress cannot find the White House in contempt for refusing to provide subpoenaed information in a probe of fired prosecutors.

(Reporting by Thomas Ferraro)