One of the U.S. attorneys whose firing generated so much heat is Carol Lam of San Diego.

NPR: How Prosecutor Lam's Case Was Handled

He then went on to recommend three U.S. attorneys for dismissal: Margaret Chiara of Michigan, Henry "Bud" Cummins of Arkansas and Carol Lam of California.

CNN: E-mails lay out plan to dismiss U.S. attorneys

Mr. KEN HINES (IRS): On a personal note, it's been a privilege and honor to stand shoulder and shoulder with Carol Lam during my tenure here in San Diego.

NPR: How Prosecutor Lam's Case Was Handled

The documents also show that Carol Lam, the U.S. attorney in Southern California, was under intense pressure from members of Congress for not pursuing enough illegal immigration cases.

NPR: Congress, White House Clash on Hearing Rules

Ms. CAROL LAM (Former U.S. Attorney): I'm neither a soothsayer nor a fortune teller, but I expect the Department of Justice will conduct itself as the department always has and as professionally and in the public's interest.

NPR: How Prosecutor Lam's Case Was Handled