Ex-Sen. Mitchell Quits Panel Investigating 9/11

Citing a reluctance to quit his law firm, former Sen. George J. Mitchell on Wednesday withdrew from the new commission that will investigate the Sept. 11 attacks.

Mitchell was to be vice chairman of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks, which former Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger is heading. Replacing Mitchell will be former Rep. Lee H. Hamilton (D-Ind.).

The commission will follow up the work of the congressional inquiry that issued its final report Wednesday on intelligence failures leading up to the attacks. The panel will conduct a broader investigation, looking at issues beyond intelligence, including aviation security and immigration.

In a letter to congressional Democratic leaders, Mitchell said he had understood that the commission work would be part time. “However, as you know, some have urged that I sever all ties to the law firm with which I am associated. Since I must work to support my family, I cannot comply,” he wrote.

He said concerns were raised about potential conflicts of interests and whether he would devote the time necessary to the commission. Some politicians and commentators have raised similar questions about Kissinger, who heads a major consulting firm.

Hamilton served more than 30 years in the House and was a former chairman of the International Relations and Intelligence committees.