WASHINGTON -- Democratic Sens. Diane Feinstein of California and Charles Schumer of New York have called Thursday for a no-confidence vote of embattled Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

Earlier Thursday, Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., predicted the investigation into the firings of federal prosecutors will cause Attorney General Alberto Gonzales to resign.

Specter said when the investigation is over, Gonzales and President George W. Bush will realize the Justice Department is "dysfunctional" and can't properly protect the nation from terrorism.

Specter's comments echoed new criticisms of the attorney general this week. Four other Republican senators -- Norm Coleman of Minnesota, Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, John McCain of Arizona and John Sununu of New Hampshire -- in calling for Gonzales' resignation. And Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., who hasn't called for him to resign, said he has "no confidence" in Gonzales or his leadership.

Gonzales has said only eight prosecutors were targeted for dismissal. But a government official said the Justice Department has listed as many as 26 prosecutors after concerns were raised about their performances.