Separated at birth?

I wonder if our readers have noticed the uncanny resemblance between Senator John Ashcroft, draconian Attorney General for the United States of America, and Emperor Palpatine, supreme ruler of the Galactic Empire, scourge of the Rebel Alliance and servant of the dark side of the Force? Could they be by any chance related? I think we should be told.

( Images )

(observed by baconmonkey)