LogFAQs > #962990377

Originally it was Palpatine just needed a placeholder until Anakin was where he wanted him, but Dooku actually got stronger as the clone wars went on. I forget what book goes into it but Palpatine starts to get concerned that Dooku is not only growing in power but he was also a natural leader.

Dooku was also almost willing to make peace or start negotiations with Yoda in one of the books I think making another problem for Palpatine.

One other issue is Dooku wanted to keep Obi-Wan alive since he was Qui-Gons student and Dooku wanted him to be his apprentice which was a hell no from Palpatine.