The software giant argued that the litigating states' attempt to secure stiffer sanctions against Microsoft would "displace" the Justice Department's authority in the matter and would constitute a blatant attempt to "seek to establish (state trustbusters) as national antitrust policymakers." The Justice Department, "joined by a bipartisan group of nine states, reached a settlement agreement with Microsoft that the DOJ determined to be in the national interest," said Microsoft spokesman Jim Desler. "Today's motion points out that a few states should not be able to override this determination by seeking different remedies," he said. The litigating states said Microsoft's request had no legal merit. "Microsoft's attempt to dismiss the case was expected, and late, and we will resist it strongly," said Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, one of the states' leaders.