ABC News' Ann Compton, Z. Byron Wolf and Theresa Cook Report:  The confirmation battle for the next Attorney General is already heating up -- even before the White House has named a nominee for the post.


ABC News has confirmed that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., told Reuters this afternoon that "Ted Olson will not be confirmed."


Olson, a former Solicitor General and Assistant Attorney General, has emerged as a top contender for the job, but Democrats have charged that his political leanings would influence his work as the nation's top law enforcement official, an accusation that has plagued the Justice Department under current Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.   


"He's [Olson] a partisan, and the last thing we need as an attorney general is a partisan," Reid told Reuters.


Presidents George W. Bush and Ronald Regan nominated Olson to his previous positions with the Justice Department, and Olson has served as private counsel to both presidents. 


Bush has still not made up his mind on a nominee, and officials have cautioned for days that speculation about Olson may not enhance his chances of being selected.  Olson would be a political lightning rod because of his prominent role arguing and winning the 2000 vote count case in which the Supreme Court decided the election in President Bush's favor.


White House Deputy Press Secretary Tony Fratto dismissed Reid's statement, telling ABC News that the President's nominee will be "exceptionally qualified."


"We hope the Senate will set aside partisan politics long enough to confirm a nominee -- for the good of the Justice Department and the country," Fratto said.


Alberto Gonzales' last day in office is Sept. 17; Solicitor General Paul Clement will take over as Acting Attorney General after his departure and will likely remain in the job until a nominee is confirmed by the Senate.

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