More Evidence of Political Tampering by Bush Administration in Attorney Firing Scandal

In early 2007, the House Judiciary Committee began to investigate the Bush Administration's removal of nine United States Attorneys in 2006 after information surfaced that indicated inappropriate political considerations were involved in the removals.

After a series of congressional hearings, interviews with several Administration officials, and a report by the DOJ Inspector General, further evidence was brought forward indicating that qualified U.S. Attorneys were removed by the White House due to improper partisan and political considerations.

The Inspector General recommended additional investigation to determine whether any criminal offenses were committed.

Since I had worked in the Justice Department for six years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, I found the extent of the politicization of the very department tasked with ensuring the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, especially shocking and distressing.

In order to determine the precise White House role in the firings, the Committee sought additional documents and testimony from former White House advisers Harriet Miers and Karl Rove. After refusing to voluntarily cooperate, and later ignoring lawful subpoenas, an agreement was finally reached under which they would be compelled to provide documents and make themselves available for deposition by the Committee. Chairman Conyers granted me the opportunity to lead the questioning of Rove and Miers, along with very capable staff counsel, Elliot Mincberg, in interviews that occurred in June and July.

The new documents and interviews further demonstrate that the White House brought an unprecedented level of partisan pressure to bear in the decision to fire certain United States Attorneys who were not considered "loyal Bushies," to quote one Justice Department official. The White House was assisted in politicizing the Justice Department by the weak and pliant leadership of Alberto Gonzales and others that largely refused to stand up to their pressure.

In the most pernicious case of partisan interference, Republican political operatives in New Mexico -- aided and abetted by Rove and Miers -- succeeded in putting a strong U.S. Attorney on the chopping block because he failed to do their political bidding. During my questioning of Harriet Miers, she indicated that an "agitated" Karl Rove called her during a visit to New Mexico in 2006 and told her that Iglesias was "a serious problem and he wanted something done about it." At the time, New Mexico Republicans were pressing for Iglesias to be removed because they believed he was not prosecuting enough vote fraud cases.

SCHIFF: And tell us the best you can about what you recall what Mr. Rove had to say when he called?

MIERS: My best recollection is that he was very agitated about the U.S. Attorney in New Mexico. I don't know that I knew the gentleman's name at that time.

SCHIFF: And what did he tell you about the U.S. Attorney in New Mexico?

MIERS: That he was getting barraged by a lot of complaints about the U.S. Attorney and his not doing his job.

SCHIFF: And who were the complaints coming from?

MIERS: People that he was in contact with, which I assumed, of course, and he may have said, were political people that were active in New Mexico.

New White House documents also show that Rove and his office were involved in this effort months earlier than previously known.

An October 2006 email chain also shows a Rove aide criticizing the fact that Iglesias was not bringing a corruption prosecution -- in the run-up to the 2006 elections -- that could help Republican Rep. Heather Wilson, a sitting Member of Congress in the midst of a tough reelection campaign. The e-mail chain, which appears to have been initiated by Rep. Wilson herself, was ultimately forwarded to Karl Rove with a notation that Iglesias had been "shy about doing his job on Madrid," Rep. Wilson's opponent in the race. Iglesias's name was placed on the final firing list just weeks after this email.

In another example, when public rumors began to surface of an FBI investigation of then Rep. Rick Renzi (R-AZ), a politically-vulnerable Republican Member of Congress at the time, Rove's office contacted Harriet Miers seeking a remedy.

SCHIFF: And when you say that the issue was raised with you who raised the issue with you?

MIERS: I'm not sure how it came to my attention. It may well have been Karl but I don't know that.

SCHIFF: When you said that there was angst about it who had demonstrated angst about the situation?

MIERS: I'm not sure, but the sense of the inquiry was this is happening, it's unfair. I think it was Karl, but I'm not sure.

Miers would later call Deputy Attorney General McNulty seeking a possible statement that would have "vindicated" Renzi. Despite the fact that such a statement would be contrary to standard DOJ policy, one was issued to multiple newspapers several days later.

SCHIFF: So in the normal course of business, the Department of Justice wouldn't confirm or deny an investigation, right?

MIERS: That's correct.

After the removals began to spark a controversy, Rove tried to hide the White House role from the public and from Congress in order to perpetuate the narrative that these decisions were solely based on performance.

In a speech in Troy, Alabama in March 2007 on the U.S. Attorney terminations, Rove is quoted by the Associated Press as saying, "In each of these instances a decision was made at the Department of Justice on the basis of policy and personnel."

SCHIFF: Sir, wasn't this part of an effort you were making to portray the White House as completely uninvolved in the process of deciding which U.S. Attorneys to be replaced?

ROVE: No. This was responding to a question following a speech at Troy, Alabama.

SCHIFF: At any public speech, did you acknowledge the role that you and OPA [White House Office of Political Affairs] played in forwarding complaints about U.S. Attorneys?

ROVE: No.

SCHIFF: And why was that?

ROVE: Didn't consider it to be necessary.

Rove also hid the White House's role in the firings during a March 2007 meeting at the White House to prepare DOJ official William Moschella for testimony he was to give to the House Judiciary Committee.

SCHIFF: Did you tell Mr. Moschella about White House involvement or actions on the U.S. Attorney [removals] to help prepare him for his testimony?

ROVE: No.

Days later, Moschella would testify under oath and represent that any White House role merely consisted of being consulted after a list was already compiled by DOJ.

Although Rove did his best to spin and Miers to forget (she stated more than 150 times that she did not recall the answer to questions I posed), the testimony and documents shed new light on a dark period of unparalleled political intrusion into the work of the Justice Department. The new information will also assist the special prosecutor investigating this matter as she works to determine whether criminal charges are warranted.

In November 2008, the American people voted overwhelmingly for "change," in a forceful rejection of the policies and practices of the prior Administration. I hope and believe that our investigation will play an important role in avoiding any recurrence of the partisan intrusion into the work of the Justice Department we witnessed during the last eight years, and I am confident that under the leadership of Attorney General Holder we can speedily restore the confidence of the American people in the rule of law.

Comments

[JohnHKennedy]

Cheney and his far right neocon comrades
who are trying to derail Obamas effort
to improve health care in America
are some of the most evil political operatives we've seen at any time in American history.

The right cares only about power
and is willing do anything to obtain it.

Their willingness to Torture is appalling.

First they knowingly violate the
Federal Anti-Torture Laws that were
signed into law
and supported
by their own idol President Ronald Reagan.

Then they, through Bush's appointee lawyers
create MEMOS that are supposed to have
the effect of overriding the Federal Torture Laws enacted by Congress
(which of course they cannot legally do).

Their effort to render our Torture laws moot
is a Conspiracy to Torture,
which probably went all the way
to Bush and Cheney.

What we voters need to do is to continue
the fight for prosecution
for those that conspired to torture
and then go after the many violators
of Federal Laws during the Bush Administration.

Keep up the pressure for investigation
and prosecution.

Keep asking ALL politicians at ALL public events
"Why do they support Torture?"

If they aren't actively calling for enforcement
of our Federal Torture Laws,
They Do Support Torture.

AND

SIGN THE PETITIONS
Demanding
both a Commission of Inquiry
and a Special Prosecutor
For All Their Crimes

at ANGRYVOTERS.ORG

http://ANGRYVOTERS.ORG

Only Prosecution Stops Abuses of Our Constitution and Rights.

[Michael Amantea]

AP got a hold of these documents and said he was directly involved.
So Fox news asks him if this is true, he says no, so Fox news calls AP liars.
That is absurd... why do we just ask criminal if they are guilty instead of having trials... im sure they all tell the truth.

You can see the whole exchange here:
http://www.newsy.com/videos/karl_rove_s_attorney_connection

[Feesister]

Unless there is some kind of punitive action taken against Rove, Miers, and Gonzales, nothing has happened to discourage this kind of abuse in the future. In fact, quite the opposite. These people have suffered no negative consequences, so there is nothing to prevent abuse of power by the next Republican Adminstration.

So far, its just been a dog and pony show.

[GreatNews27]

So? Obama has already declared that there will be no prosecutions of Bush Admin crimes. Why even investigate? The very next Republican president will do the exact same things and there in not a damn thing we can do about it. So just save your energy, Mr Schiff, you'll need it to dodge bullets at your next town hall.

[Merg]

I basically agree with you. Prosecutions would be cleansing for the American Pysche.
My understanding of the 'why' reasoning for which Obama does not wish to release the photo's of prisoner abuse in Abu Ghraib is that he was asked by Maliki not to do it because it would incite seriously more violent and Anti-American actions within Iraq.
To this point, I have some sympathy and fear for our American soldiers still present in Iraq. I suspect that once all (OK not really all, but most) soldiers are out of Iraq...the Obama Admin folks MIGHT be willing to release the photo's
I have no doubt that the photos will be brutal. graphic and incriminating. But until the most of our soldiers are out of harm's way, I can understand why this Admin. does not want to incite things that might harm our soldiers more.
It is also my HOPE that once the bulk of our soldiers are removed from Iraq, Eric Holder and company will THEN be willing to pursue the criminal aspects of this situation.

[bronceye]

Last night rove told oh'really that he did nothing wrong. Oh'really concurred. Case closed. You don't have a chance to prove any wrongdoings.

[Bluesman2008]

"I am confident that under the leadership of Attorney General Holder we can speedily restore the confidence of the American people in the rule of law."

I agree we can. What I question is whether you will! I can only tell you that, if you don't, the clear message to the public is this - any many, if in high enough position, IS ABOVE THE LAW and I don't care how you spin it. It is what it is.

I respect the law. I've devoted 35 years of my life in California to the practice of law because I respect the law. But if these thugs with all the mayhem the and their ilk have caused and continue to rub our faces in it, are not brought to justice, then you can NEVER convince me the law has any meaning whatsoever. It's either the law or it is not. Time will tell.

Yes, I too voted for change but I'm not seeing enough of the real McCoy but rather business as usual. Does principle still count anywhere or did it go the way of the Pez machine and penny loafers????

[BeauRadley]

I agree whole-hear­tedly--the malfeasance in the DOJ is staggering--Rove and his yesmen need to be tried in a court of law and those attorneys placed in the DOJ during the Bush fiasco need to be replaced to a man.

[GreatNews27]

Sorry, Unitary Executive Obama has issued orders to Holder not to prosecute any crime by anyone associated with the Bush Administration in particular or Republicans in general. Our Leader has spoken. He, of infinate wisdom, has cast aside the law of the land in favor of political expediency. So remember, the law is what Obama says it is. And now he is saying it does not apply to crimes by Republicans. Especially politicians and bankers.

[serena1313]

Although the Justice Department was never meant to be an extension of the executive branch to exact revenge, protect nefarious operations or serve as blanket of protection against investigations, Bush decided otherwise.

By hook or crook Rove was h* ll bent on establishing a permanent Republican majority. So it's not the least bit surprising he ruthlessly exacted revenge on the AGs for not being loyal to the Party. Careers were ruined, lives were destroyed, reputations unmercifully slandered, innocent people sent to jail on bogus charges yet Rove didn't blink.

However it was with Bush's blessings Rove was allowed to interject politics into the DoJ. They turned everything upside-down. The civil rights division, for the first time in history, protected white people rather than minorities; attorneys were ordered to rewrite centuries long-standing laws that allowed the administration to operate unbound, unfettered, without constraints.

While Rove worked to establish a permanent GOP majority, Bush was exponentially expanding global corporate power, and Cheney was busy making preparations for war, setting up clandestine-ops, torture programmes, etc....

Bush transformed the Justice Department into a Justice Department without "Justice." It was simply a means to an end. Rather than up-holding the law, centuries-old laws were simply re-written or over-turned to accommodate the administration when inconvenienced.

Yet no one has been held accountable.

Investigations are informative, but mean little when people in power are allowed to abuse the law without fear of punishment or retribution.

That is unacceptable.

[schatsie]

Bingo. Nice summarization.

I knew we were in trouble when Monica Goodling demanded immunity and got i...She admitted to breaking laws about discrimination in hiring and should be disbarred.... But when you realized that this was happening in the DOJ, you knew darn well it was pervasive in the Civil Service and that UNDOUBTEDLY had been going on since Reagan and His CIA fellow Bush were in office...

[Merg]

As an aside....Cong Adam Schiff is my congressman. I just attended his 'townhall meeting' on Healthcare tonite and I was, at least, pleased to note that the 'liberal contingency' not only far exceeded the 'wingnuts', but were the louder of the contingency groups (and more diverse as well) A small victory to be sure but the progressives could NOT be shouted down. Cong Schiff included 4-5 'healthcare experts' on his speaking platform. (not all of whom I think were good choices) but the Congressman was willing to face his audience and state a 'somewhat' progressive position. There were many 'single=payer supporters in the crownd although this is not a position that the Cong exposes. All of the local TV stations were in attendance so their will likely be some footage.
There was a large, noisy crowd but not violence (possibly because the wingnuts were seriously outnumbered. CA may be called the land of fruits and nuts...but we are capable of civil discourse (at least when we outnumber the bat sh..t group.

[USKoala]

Adam is right on the ball... I still remember when he handed Alberto Gonzales hs head in a hearing... 'You are here again before the Committee and you are still lying to us...'

In my book Adam is OK!

[pinkibus]

One thing everybody has to know and accept - Rove was just working like a dog to deal with Gog and Magog. Ask Jaques Chirac.

[Tired of the lies]

"...I am confident that under the leadership of Attorney General Holder we can speedily restore the confidence of the American people in the rule of law.", Adam Schiff.

There is only one way that we can ever trust any of the 3 branches again, and that is with full disclosure, transparency and prosecution of those who violated our Constitution over the past 8 years. So far Holder has shown he is not up to the task.

[bccmeteorites]

If law breaking is condoned or pardoned by those charged with enforcing the law then there can be no trust in any branch of government including State Government.

[VikingQuest]

For the love of Pete . . .

Do something or be quiet.

I hear all these Reps in high places say all of this stuff and what do they do about it?

They blog.

[brandnewstuff]

Violating Criminal Civil Rights with the "TSP program" Illegal dententions, US Torture Program and other illegal and unconstitutional power abusing on domestic soil.. would be "ONE BIG MOTIVE" then lie about all the emails- now the text messages - digital trails in a Modern world

[jalowe1957]

Further evidence that Karl Rove and the other Bushites took a dump on our Constitution and treated it as if it was toilet paper inside an Andy Gump.

[Judah]

How about bringing charges against prominent athletes and celebrities to divert the media attention from the crimes and malfeasance of the dick bush duo?

[bccmeteorites]

Yes we're ready for a change of venue.

[darker]

The Bush Administration's KARL ROVE knows he CAN GET AWAY WITH ANYTHING.
The law is no object to Rove, it's just something to be stomped on and mocked.

Rove gets away with anything, anytime,
and
Rove KNOWS he will continue to get away with it all.

[Poboy]

I agree with you comment.

If you remember, Karl's "negotiating position" was that he was claiming executive privilege, though no privilege was asserted by the Bush administration, and that he was not going to appear at a public hearing under oath.

Karl stared down the Congress and the Congress blinked.

Rep. Schiff and the Senate and House Judiciary Committees have failed the country by letting some riffraff get away with flouting the will of the Congress and the American people.