Chertoff's a "loyalist" hardliner who wanted the USA PATRIOT Act before 9-1-1 meant anything under than an emergency services call. Even during his Latham & Watkins days and later in his days as a prosecutor, he was known for playing a standard game: "reluctant, but compelled". A dog and pony show that was too. Chertoff attracted the attention of "allied" countries' foreign intelligence agencies even before his current position.