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May 28, 2008

Wasserman Schultz: Judiciary Committee Willing To Arrest Rove If He Doesn't Testify

@ 11:54 am by Walter Alarkon

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) said that the House Judiciary Committee would be willing to arrest Karl Rove if the former White House official doesn't testify about his role in the firing of nine U.S. attorneys in 2006.

Wasserman Schultz, in an interview on MSNBC Tuesday, echoed the demand of House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-Mich.) that Rove would not be allowed to invoke executive privilege to avoid testifying. Rove could not invoke the privilege since he said he did not have conversations with the president about the attorneys' firing, Wasserman Schultz said.

Asked by MSNBC host Dan Abrams if the committee would go far as having Rove arrested, Wasserman said it would.

"Well, if that's what it takes," she said. "I mean we really cannot allow the co-equal branch of government, the legislative branch, to be trampled upon by the executive branch. The founding fathers established three branches of government. We are a co-equal branch, and this is an administration that essentially has ignored and disrespected the role of the legislative branch for far too long."

Rove said Sunday that the Judiciary Committee has refused to take up offers by his lawyer and the Bush administration that would allow the committee to find the information it's seeking without Rove's testimony.

Watch Wasserman Schultz's interview below.

Archived under: Administration, News, Oversight
Tags: Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Karl Rove, U.S. Attorneys

444 Comments »

The Hill welcomes comment from anyone and will almost always post it whether it is favorable or critical, as long as it is substantive and advances debate.

This do nothing Congress continues to do nothing.
They live off the taxpayers of this country and do nothing but spend our money and sit on their butts thinking up things to hold hearing on.

Comment by Bill — May 28, 2008 @ 12:40 pm
It is obsene how much time and money that is wasted by our congress "investigating" instead of spending our money looking for practical solutions to our many problems.

Comment by B — May 28, 2008 @ 12:40 pm
Nothing but politics. The U.S. Attorney's serve at the will of the President. All members of congress should be arrested for waste and fraud for wasting taxpayers money. If I was Rove would tell congress where they could stick their request and then turn around and sue. Members of congress need to be reminded that most Amercians know what's going on and unlike the Lib Dems are idiots.

Comment by Kevin Bannister — May 28, 2008 @ 12:42 pm
Hillary caused Sen. Kennedy's brain cancer!

Comment by mike — May 28, 2008 @ 12:42 pm
Gas is $4 going to $5 and these idiots want to investigate a NOTHING story. Bill Clinton fired over 90 US Attorneys. If you want to waste time call in Hillary Clinton and ask her why her husband fired over 90 US Attorneys, now that would give the Drive Bye Media a tissy fit.

How about investigating Congress as to why they haven't allowed Oil and Gas Companies to DRILL for our own Oil and Gas. Their 30 years of preventing this DRILLING is a crime worth investigating and most Americans would praise that investigation.

Comment by Tony Bonagura — May 28, 2008 @ 12:43 pm
So they are planning to arrest someone over an investigation of something that is definitively not a crime on a topic over which they have absolutely no input? Well, glad so see Congress earning their money. No wonder their approval ratings are half of Bush's.

Comment by Brett — May 28, 2008 @ 12:43 pm
Can the Democrats be any more pompous and political. I wish we could throw all of them out. Last week hearings with the oil company executives was a joke. Rather than working together for a solution, they attack them. The oil company executives should be attacking them for not letting them drill for energy off the coasts and in Alaska.

Comment by Jim Darlington — May 28, 2008 @ 12:46 pm
Yeah, B and Bill, I guess you were equally outraged by the Clinton impeachment hearings. I say go get that Rove. He is not above the law.

Comment by Beau — May 28, 2008 @ 12:47 pm
Wasserman says that Congress and the President are co-equal branches of government, yet the "co-equal" Congress is attempting to force the Executive Branch to submit to the will of Congress.
If Rove stands on Executive Privilege, then the matter will be taken up by the Supreme Court, and maybe by next year or so we'll have a decision.

Comment by Bill Schmudlap — May 28, 2008 @ 12:48 pm
Are they going to arrest Bill Clinton too? He would have a lot more "counts" against him for firing federal attorneys.

Comment by Timbeaux — May 28, 2008 @ 12:49 pm
I don't recall in the constitution where it says a congressional commitee has the power to "arrest" people; do they have a special police force for these things. Leave it to Abrams at MSNBC to ask a question like that.

I guess this is our modern day Democrat Party and the left in this country, better be carefull what you say and think, maybe they will arrest you too. Scary.

Comment by Rob — May 28, 2008 @ 12:49 pm
Wasserman is a disgrace elected by morons

Comment by Bill Beahan — May 28, 2008 @ 12:50 pm
Her stupidity will be remembered come re-election time. They should be legislating more drilling and refining in this country, not ridiculous investigations in which they will be shown to be idiots. Rove will run rings around them, as he has done in every election and investigation up to now.
Ron Reale
realetybytes@yahoo.com
realetybytes.townhall.com

Comment by Ron Reale — May 28, 2008 @ 12:51 pm
When are we going to make a citizen's arrest of incompetent morons in Congress? These retards are damaging our economy and hurting every American with their stupid antics and inept performance. We need a march on Congress and demand they all go home now!!!!

Comment by Tim — May 28, 2008 @ 12:53 pm
The role of the legislative branch is to legislate. They are to write legislation and vote upon it according to the stances their constituents voted them into office. Their role is clearly enumerated in the United States Constitution. They have no powers other than those enumerated. The executive is in charge of enforcing the law and commanding the troops so as to ensure the safety and well-being of our nation. While President Bush may have not done this as optimally as could have been done, he has excelled far beyond the level of competency that either Al Gore or John Kerry (or any other member of the Democrat Party) would have shown under the same circumstances.

Comment by Stephen — May 28, 2008 @ 12:55 pm
Maybe it would be nice if the Judiciary Committee actually did something about curtailing drug use by kids instead of grandstanding.

It looks to me that Debbie is hunting herself a big white whale.

Comment by Ryan — May 28, 2008 @ 12:56 pm
I hope they throw that fat lard pig Rove in the slammer. I hope they put him in with rapists and murderers.

Comment by Tony — May 28, 2008 @ 12:58 pm
This seems to be a step in the right direction. The Bush admin. has been above the law for too long and needs reeled in so future admins are under no illusions about how much they can continue to abuse the laws in a country founded on laws. I am ashamed of the dark America they've created. We may never recover.

Comment by Nick — May 28, 2008 @ 12:59 pm
The US Attorney's aren't part of the Judicial Branch, they are part of the Executive Branch of government, Rep. Wasserman needs a civics lession. Judges and their offices are the Judicial branch.

So let's waste time on another useless witch hunt. Why not ask why oil has doubled since the Democrats took over Congress.

Comment by Dave F — May 28, 2008 @ 12:59 pm
oh please. she's just angling for teevee facetime. considering the lies and criminality that this administration has been committing for these past seven years — and gotten away with — i have absolutely no expectation that conyers and pals will do anything other than drop some tasty soundbites. although he does write a sternly worded letter now and then.

Comment by linda — May 28, 2008 @ 12:59 pm
Maybe they should look into weather or not Rove used steroids, or was Dick Chaney aiming at the pheasant or not while hunting…. Both would be about equal as a waist of time which is exactly what this congress is best at.

Comment by Rob — May 28, 2008 @ 1:00 pm
Political posturing at its worst! They are doing this to try to keep him from the fall election…They are afraid he will work his magic once again. This Democratic congress makes me sick. Ever since they took control, our economy has gone to the dogs….

Comment by Dawn — May 28, 2008 @ 1:01 pm
My, my , my. We can all thank this current US Administration for a crushed middle class, high food prices, high liquid fuels prices, severely degraded International standing, and an illegal war (waged against the advice of military, economic, and political experts). Rove was (and probably still is) an instrumental part of these failures and should be held accoutable. Oh, I did not mention a severe loss of civil liberties, a broken US dollar, and a propagandized press corp. Hooray for the 8 year terms for US Presidents!!! BTW: Pelosi is very weak not to bring impeachment actions against this president and a few others in his cabinet. Very weak indeed.

Comment by The Sheik — May 28, 2008 @ 1:01 pm
These two should be arrested for impersonating
"Public Servants"!! What sort of Congressman or Congresswoman goes around to the media threatening to arrest people? If they have a problem with Karl Rove, they should take it up with him and not the news media! If I were him I'd dare them to arrest me and I would make the dare very very public since that is the game they want to play! You'd have to be an idiot to testify to anything before this Congress. And if you were forced to testify you'd do well to claim a faulty memory. These mindless dwarfs would like to see Karl Rove in Jail alright…not because he's broken the law, but because they don't like him. Egotists every one of them!

Comment by Charles Piercey — May 28, 2008 @ 1:01 pm
Congress has become a haven for the incompetent, lazy, power-crazy and those unable to function in society. Remember — Congress makes our laws and governs how, what and why. So blame Congress for everything going wrong. These hearings are a facade to mask their gross and sheer incompetence; nothing more.

Comment by Mohammed — May 28, 2008 @ 1:03 pm
It's finally time for the White House, et al., to be held accountable for their actions in the last seven years, and to pay the legal price where applicable. The Republicans are desperate, they know it, so they shouldn't let the door hit them on the way out. Oh yeah, and we'll see you again while you're being investigated. I wonder if Ken Starr is available,… hmmmmmm.

Comment by EvMan — May 28, 2008 @ 1:03 pm
Get Rove while ya can (the weasel will run). Then waterboard the sucker.

Comment by Superbob — May 28, 2008 @ 1:04 pm
It's called checks and balances folks. If it's a non story, let Rove take a couple hours of his life to testify and put the matter to rest. It's the least he can do for his country or maybe not.

Comment by bob — May 28, 2008 @ 1:05 pm
I love how all you blow hard conservatives like to parrot the, "do nothing" congress meme. Conveniently, you ignore the record number of filibuster threats by the Republics.

Comment by E. Russell — May 28, 2008 @ 1:05 pm
wow, the intelligence displayed in these posts is remarkable. i am again reminded why we have uncontrolled debt, a sinking economy, and the rest of the world hates us.

rove, like most politicians, is a lying, corrupt dirt-bag. that anyone would stand up for him is laughable. i don't care what party a politician belong to - if they're unethical, do away with them.

Comment by aron — May 28, 2008 @ 1:05 pm
These politicians are worthless. They're a bunch of egomaniacs trying to further inflate their big heads. And it's not just the dems. We need to fix our education system so the stupid electorate won't continue to elect such idiots.

Comment by Tom — May 28, 2008 @ 1:06 pm
As a constituent of this idiot Shultz, she has done NOTHING for anyone in S Florida. She should spend more time doing something for the people that put her in office. I can bet she will say goodbye to the halls of congress once this term is up. She's worthless and needs to go home and cook or clean or do whatever it is she did before she was lucky enough to get elected.

Comment by Isy Marcus — May 28, 2008 @ 1:07 pm
To E. Russell:
Wake up, man! Republicans filibuster because the lunatic liberals try to push idiotic legislation. Do you actually know what a filibuster is, and what it is used for? Amazing, that liberals can be so utterly dense.

Comment by Mohammed — May 28, 2008 @ 1:09 pm
Hey Aron:
Who gives a CRAP what "the rest of the world" thinks?

Comment by Mohammed — May 28, 2008 @ 1:10 pm
God is she a PIG! She should be arrested for being that ugly!

Comment by Fred — May 28, 2008 @ 1:12 pm
This is a complete waste of taxpayer money and an egregious abuse of power by the Congressmen involved. We are in a shooting war, in the middle of the largest increases for fuel and energy in the history of this country, and are experiencing many other serious problems. And yet this congress wants to waste potentially millions of dollars and hundreds of hours on what amounts to a political stunt to investigate a legal event with historical precdents going back to the beginning of this nation.

Comment by lrbinfrisco — May 28, 2008 @ 1:14 pm
And just think how many citizens will be brought before the goose steppers if they get a majority in congress and the whitehouse. I say get the pitchforks and torches!!!

Comment by Ronnie — May 28, 2008 @ 1:14 pm
judging from some of the comments, this story certainly has the trolls and right-wing apologists in quite a tizzy.

Comment by cha cha cha — May 28, 2008 @ 1:15 pm
We have to comment because idiot's like you are still out there Cha Cha Cha or is it che che che….got your red beret on today

Comment by Ronnie — May 28, 2008 @ 1:18 pm
Mohammed… thanks for the irrelevant rhetorical question. that you even ask it makes me wonder what type of person you are. certainly one i would never want to be in company with. does your self-entitlement also allow you to molest your daughter and beat women, without a care in the world?

Comment by aron — May 28, 2008 @ 1:19 pm
The Attorney General's serve at the president's pleasure, it's true, but the President cannot use them as a weapon to punish his political enemies. They are supposed to be prosecuting criminals, not harrassing and threatening the President's political opponents. It appears very strongly in this case the the White House was firing guys who would not go after Democrats–that is, Attorney's General who felt there was not sufficient evidence to prosecute were being fired and replaced with attorney's who were more willing to do the White House's political bidding. If this were the case it's a very very serious matter. It's a breach of the public trust, and very likely a crime. Do you really want an Attorney General who only prosecutes Republicans, or only prosecutes democrats.

Congress has a right and a duty to oversee the Executive. And in that capacity it should be investigating this matter. Did the White House fire attornies general who would not do its political dirty work? To get answers, it has to talk to Rove.

Rove is not subject to executive priviledge because he has already claimed that he did not discuss the Attorney General firings with the President. So if he ignores the subpoena he is breaking the law

If the situation were reversed, and a Democratic President were firing prosecutors who were not going after political opponents,Congress would also be right to investigate

Comment by HC Carey — May 28, 2008 @ 1:20 pm
trolls should learn how to spell if they're going to call people "idiot's" [sic]

Comment by cha cha cha — May 28, 2008 @ 1:23 pm
Ha,Ha. The Dems are in charge of both the House and Senate. Now it looks like the Dems are going to pick up even more seats, plus it looks like the Dems are going to win the White House. How does it feel to be losers Republicans? How does it feel to have supported a loser preisdent and party that will not have lost power for at least a generation if not two! I say, waste the money, jail Bush, Rove, Cheney, et al. while I laugh at all you loser Republicans!

Comment by Ike Davis — May 28, 2008 @ 1:23 pm
Although the executive branch is subject to investigation and oversight by the legislative branch of government, there is no precondition to the hiring and firing of U.S. attorneys. It is subject to the will and whim of the current administration as as been demonstrated repeatedly before. If there are other issues (e.g. 'illegal war', etc), then those would be in the purview to investigate but this firing of attorney's is a joke.

Comment by Dean — May 28, 2008 @ 1:24 pm
It started with partisan politics. This committe is trying to bring balance into the judicial branch of the Government. They aren't just wasting tax payers dollars.

Comment by Anthony — May 28, 2008 @ 1:25 pm
hey lrbinfrisco… if your looking for taxpayer waste, the fruitless war in Iraq is many orders of magnitude more expensive than this investigation could "potentially" be. mark my words, whether we leave now or 100 years from now, that place will change IF AND ONLY IF the people who populate it desire it.

i could care less about an investigation, but if you're truly concerned about taxpayer spending, you're ignoring the plank looking for the splinter.

Comment by aron — May 28, 2008 @ 1:25 pm
Typical of the time wasting and grandstanding that goes on. Go ahead and have him appear and waste even more of our money and congressional time - worst congress ever and the senate is worse. Not one thing will happen but it will make the lunatic left happy. By the way if they were really honest the question is, "Who cares about lawyers and whose job is it to appoint them in the 1st palce?"

Comment by Bill — May 28, 2008 @ 1:25 pm
Doesn't the controversy here stem form the firing of US Attorney's who were investigating election fraud,and jerrymandeering that specifically benefitted the adminisration? Why is that not legitmate grounds for congressionla investigation,when wether the Pres. got serviced by an intern is? someone said Politica as usual. Bierced defintion of politics is spot on: "Strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles"
The Bush admin has cnducted the greatest consolidation of power in the hands of the Exec branch,and the greates expansion of federal government power in US history. I'm amazed that folks who identify as conservative still support these hypocrits. What are they conserving?

Comment by Sam — May 28, 2008 @ 1:26 pm
I concur exactly with THE SHEIK (#23) but the blame lies with the Democratic controlled Congress. Typical Bush Derangement Syndrome on his part.

Comment by Michael — May 28, 2008 @ 1:26 pm
You Pubs make me laugh. You don't even bother to look up the details of a story before you put out your blanket statement protecting all repub. actions. Karl Rove, and this administration - is being accused of bringing false charges and imprisoning a man for being a political rival. I guess you have no problem with what Stalin did either- Or Mao. Wake up you losers - you're letting them steal our freedom with your sheepish views

Comment by alan — May 28, 2008 @ 1:27 pm
Arrest him for what? Contempt of Congress? That's not a crime. Its a right.

Comment by phil — May 28, 2008 @ 1:27 pm
Let's see. The majority of folks here think that having HJC investigate misdeeds of Karl Rove is a waste of time and money.

Hmmm.

So, do those of you holding these opinions think that Mr. Rove should be investigated by anyone? Or do you think that Mr. Rove, unlike you or me, has the right to ignore lawfully issued supoenas?

Just curious about the consistancy of your opinions.

Comment by idiotsgalore — May 28, 2008 @ 1:27 pm
wow this is definitely a RIGHT WINGer News Site. you guys are so far off to the right you might as well wear a swastika.

Comment by Frank — May 28, 2008 @ 1:28 pm
8 years and still no outrage?

Comment by Mark — May 28, 2008 @ 1:29 pm
Congress is run by morons. How about an energy policy…do something useful.

Comment by Jim — May 28, 2008 @ 1:29 pm
It is amazing that we have a Democratic population that keeps re-electing these parasites over and over again. We truly do need term limits, but the incumbents will never approve that. They would lose their jobs and nobody would hire them.

Comment by FRANK COX — May 28, 2008 @ 1:29 pm
Hey, Repubs, it cuts both ways. Do you want President Obama to hire US attorneys with the task of going after, say, gun owners? Do you want him to fire attorneys that refuse to do his bidding? Or, fire ones go after his supporters for crimes? Do we want apolitical justice in this country or not?

Comment by Trevor — May 28, 2008 @ 1:29 pm
You people are ridiculous. You must be part of the 20% of the country that are still thinking that Bush is doing a good job. lol. Please, go read a book and seek an education and perhaps you can free yourselves from your partisan ignorance.

Comment by James — May 28, 2008 @ 1:30 pm
I find it hilarious that the same people who were quite quite happy with a republican congress spending millions of dollars investigating whitewater are now furious when a fraction of that money is spent investigating Carl Turd Blossom rove

Comment by steve r — May 28, 2008 @ 1:32 pm
This is an important development. Many people here are saying this is a 'nothing' story, or complaining about the price of gas. One of Congress' many roles is that of investigator. The price of gas is something that Congress has little direct control over, particularly when we import it from OPEC. That is a matter for the executive. As for unearthing gross abuses of power on the part of the executive, our Representatives have an obligation to fact find and if necessary, push to prosecution. This matter is not so much partisan, as it is about maintaining the balance of power among our government's branches, ensuring transparency, and complying with the doctrines that lead to the foundation of our resilient nation.

Comment by Charles — May 28, 2008 @ 1:33 pm
The libs in congress should arrest themselves for the way they are screwing this country. We are still waiting for Pelosi's promise to lower gas prices, or was that another democrat lie.

Comment by Al — May 28, 2008 @ 1:33 pm
Democrats suck!!!

Comment by Doofy — May 28, 2008 @ 1:33 pm
Good to see the Drudgetards out in force (or should I say farce?) complaining about this. I wonder how many of them were perfectly happy to support Bill Clinton's impeachment proceedings? No need to answer that, we all know this is an ignorant gang of sub-moronic hypocrites.

I am quite looking forward to seeing Herr Rove handcuffed and frogmarched into custody. It would be a fitting end to the waning days of this corrupt and vile administration.

Comment by AMB — May 28, 2008 @ 1:34 pm
Once again the Democrat Congress is wasting time. Conyers is what we will get if we elect Obama! Another offended "brother" who seeks to use his power to disrupt and obfuscate. Conyer's is a fool and Pelosi allows this charade to continue. Where are they when it comes to energy, taxes, security, eduction? Nowhere! The "co-equal" Democrat branch of government is less than equal when it comes to results. This is so typical of the wounded and perverted left of this country. If they pursued the investigation of the $500K in cash in that Jefferson took - oh wait he's black and he didn't see that he was doing anything wrong - they would actually find that a crime was committed. Yet he still "serves". What a load…….

Comment by Mark — May 28, 2008 @ 1:35 pm
Someone needs a history lesson! Would someone please explain to Frank that the Nazis were a Socialist organization.

Comment by Cory — May 28, 2008 @ 1:35 pm
@53:
"wow this is definitely a RIGHT WINGer News Site. you guys are so far off to the right you might as well wear a swastika."

No, it's the invasion of Drudge Report's brain-dead readership.

Comment by AMB — May 28, 2008 @ 1:35 pm
Amen, AMB!

Comment by Charles — May 28, 2008 @ 1:36 pm
60 years of liberalism has come home to roost, the left wing commies in here have been dumbed down so much they can't see the forrest for the trees. Get over 2000 Gore took the election to the courts. Democrats had the same intellegence Bush did on the war. Bush isn't stupid, if he is then what does that make your democrat congress who has lost to him at every turn.
Schumer said "drilling in ANWAR wouldn't make a difference for 10 years and even then it wouldn't drop the price but 1 cent a gallon. Well if they had let us drill starting in 1994 when it was first proposed it would now. Then he and his goose stepping buddies drag the oil companies before the senate (for a dog and pony show) and what does he say…"if the oil companies companies would just negotiate another million barrels a day it would drop the price 65 cents a gallon. Exxon accounts for 2% in the oil market and yet is the highest taxed company in the world. 1% of Exxon is owned by the executives, 40% is owned by individual investors the other 59% is owned by institutions so all you libs better check your 401K and make sure you don't own any.
The government in the last 3 years has taken in more money than it ever has due to the Bush tax cuts. We can't help they choose to over spend and make sure Nancy Pelosi has fua gra in the lunch room at the capitol.

Comment by Ronnie — May 28, 2008 @ 1:37 pm
Rove could not invoke the privilege since he said he did not have conversations with the president about the attorneys' firing, Wasserman Schultz said.

So it would seem that the Democrats have no problem speaking on behalf of another co-equal branch of government (the courts).

Way to undercut your own argument there Dems!

But then consistancy isn't something you have to worry about the press asking you about, now is it?

Comment by ironchefofmunchies — May 28, 2008 @ 1:38 pm
Thank you Nancy Pelosi for your leadership, allowing this, going to Syria, declaring the war lost, demanding we stop our economy and not allowing any oil exploration in the US, nor nuclear, nor refineries. The Democrats have benn the naysayers so long all they want to do is get even, Who will lead?

Comment by james adams — May 28, 2008 @ 1:38 pm
I don't know che che che You've been a loser the last 8 you tell me.

Comment by Ronnie — May 28, 2008 @ 1:39 pm
Crooked politicians trying to prosecute other crooked politicians…I guess we should hope for maximum injuries…I wonder if the Roman senate was ever this bad?

Comment by John — May 28, 2008 @ 1:41 pm
And ANWAR has what to do with republicans ignoring subpoenas issued by Legislative Branch of the United States government?

Comment by cha cha cha — May 28, 2008 @ 1:42 pm
john conyers is a lesser than intelligent bigot who has made the remark that he will kick Karl Rove's ass.

If conyers and his do-nothing party spent half as much time doing their jobs as they spend desperately fishing for anything, ANYTHING they use against President Bush and his admin, we might get a few problems solved.

Comment by BillyBob — May 28, 2008 @ 1:42 pm
Bush to Congress: You and what Army are going to arrest Rove? Don't you liberals get it? The constitution gives the right to the President to fire Federal Attorneys (btw, not Attorneys General; where did you get that?) for any reason. That's what serving at the will of the president means.

Comment by TimothyJ — May 28, 2008 @ 1:43 pm
For all you fools complaining about 'wasting taxpayers' money'-, this is the judiciary committee for heavens' sake. This is the function they perform - they investigate potential wrongdoing by the other branches of government. Close your pie-holes if you don't know what you are talking about . . .

If Rove, who was neither elected nor 'appointed', directed that a failed corruption case be reinvigorated for political purposes, then he needs to be in jail. The executive branch is not the toy of the President. He is not a King (though clearly many of you act like he is). All of you that disrespect the legislature and judiciary to the extent that you think they are too much of an obstacle to President Bush are nothing more than monarchists parading around as Republicans. You are not patriots, you are a subsversive and radical element that stumbled into power. Our founding fathers would rise from the dead just to urinate on your graves.

Comment by Jeff — May 28, 2008 @ 1:44 pm
If the reason they want to investigate is because those attorneys were looking into stuff that might hurt the administration then why was that standard not applied when Clinton fired 90 attorneys. He fired all of them because one was looking into Dan Rostenkowski and was 30 days from making a ruling that would not be good for Dan. Carter fired one attorney because he was looking into one of Carter's friends. Bush should have fired all 90 and he would have been left alone. If he were a Dem he would be left alone no matter what.

As for Rove, he should go testify and say I don't recall ten thousand times. It worked for the Clintons…

Comment by Big Dog — May 28, 2008 @ 1:46 pm
I can't stand these idiot Democrats in Congress. They are so stupid it is beyond comprehension. Why can't they put politics aside and just do their jobs for the sake of the country while in office? I wish more of the people voting would keep informed about what their representatives are doing, or not doing, and fire them come election day.

Comment by Wally — May 28, 2008 @ 1:47 pm
So this is the fantasy land where the 28 percent of people who still like Bush hang out!!

Comment by steve r — May 28, 2008 @ 1:50 pm
Just another in the long line of things including this one that democrats have been wrong or flip flopped on …che che che

Comment by Ronnie — May 28, 2008 @ 1:50 pm
I just love it when you Lib's address the "present administrations" lies, secrets, high gas, high food, new about the twin towers, world standing etc. Yeah Bush did it all by himself. You fools! Everyone including your past president said there were weapons in Iraq, secrets from you big months that tell NY Times and the world where and how we keep America AND the world safe, every contry in the world is effected by high oil, try drilling off the coast of Florida the Chinese are doing, high food you are making more in your paycheck can't farmers pass on theirs costs, twin towers melting steel NOW HOW DO THEY MAKE STEEL AGAIN..THEY USE FIRE YOU FOOL even a blacksmith knows that and lastly world standing man your right I feel bad that Cuba, N Korea, Bin Laden and his American Democrats hate the US!!!

Comment by Dave Sullivan — May 28, 2008 @ 1:50 pm
Rove is not subject to the oversight of Chairman Conyers and his mob.

Article II US Constitution is clear
But the chairman is due for re-election and must pander to his base.
As do other members of his mob on the hill

Rule of Law never was a part of this

Comment by Scot — May 28, 2008 @ 1:52 pm
Not one of you useless libs can name one thing which the Bush administration has done that is legitimately "illegal". You Clinton kool-aid drinkers don't understand that lying under oath to better your position in a lawsuit is ILLEGAL. Impeachment was justified. It's time for civil war in the country to settle this two party argument once and for all. You people are destroying this great country. I'm sure you wussy libs wouldn't stomach the fight for long before screaming to "withdraw" and surrender. Much like you're wanting in Iraq. You're spineless people unwilling to fight for anything worth fighting for.

Comment by KilltheLibs — May 28, 2008 @ 1:52 pm
Wally,
Bush has kept you safe the last 7 years….what excuse will you come up with when another attack happens under an obamba presidency……

Comment by Ronnie — May 28, 2008 @ 1:52 pm
Dem majority in house and senate. Gas price out of control. Heyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! Karl Rove. That ought to fix that.

Comment by Mike — May 28, 2008 @ 1:53 pm
Well, they promised Joe and Val a "frogmarch" and dang-nabbit they're gonna get one!!

Comment by Kodos from Rigel 4 — May 28, 2008 @ 1:55 pm
The President has the authority to fire these attorneys for any reason, or none. So, which branch is trying to trample over whom?

Comment by Derrick — May 28, 2008 @ 1:55 pm
It is about time this administration paid for the deaths of our Boys in Iraq, stolen elections Etc, and all the other crimes and misdemeanors .
Starting with Rove is a Good place to start and they should go down the line with the rest of the corrupt Hoods in this White House.

Comment by June — May 28, 2008 @ 1:56 pm
Typical liberal fascists…always resort to judicial and legal methods to get the "job done", be it abortion or gay marriage or asking Karl Rove to testify. They do not have the emotional and intellectual wherewithwal to engage in discussion and debate and always look to silence anyone who disagrees with them. Whatever happened to Speaker Pelosi and her promises of being bi-partisan when the Dems regained control of the House?! What this Congresswoman is conveniently overlooking is the Legislative branch's need not to be an equal of the Executive branch but to overwhelm and overpower it and in effect, completely paralyze the Executive's ability to function effectively. Shame on her!

Comment by Josh — May 28, 2008 @ 1:57 pm
How about investigating why our immigration laws aren't being enforced? There have already been more than eleven public and private hearings about these firings and they want more. The next President is going to get rid of 95% of the current U.S. Attorneys. How about investigating how many illegals pick the grapes from Pelosi's vineyard? This stupid Congress has got to go. They enact legislation to use our food supplies for ethanol and even legislate what kind of light bulb we have to use. It is high time that all of these idiots, Democrat and Republican, get voted out of office.

Comment by Bill — May 28, 2008 @ 1:59 pm
"Silencing" Rove by asking him to testify? An interesting concept, to say the least.

Comment by cha cha cha — May 28, 2008 @ 2:02 pm
Congress as constitutional officers should be able to read the constitution as well as the average American. The President is given sole authority with regards to US Attorney's. He/She can talk to anyone they wish for what ever reason regarding US Attorney's. If the President doesn't like their hair or if they are investigating war crimes, doesn't matter. Congress is not co-equal executives, and investigations on these grounds are themselves an abuse of power, not the presidents firing of 9 attorneys. Another thing; Nazis where socialist democrats and considered progressive, nothing remotely leaning Right. Get it correct, its offensive.

Comment by Gary — May 28, 2008 @ 2:02 pm
I'm sure killthelibs would consider himself (or herself) a true Christian. And yes America has not been attacked since bush allowed 911.
Except for New Orleans. but i guess you neocons dont care when thousands of americans suffer and die as long as its not done by terrorists.

Comment by steve r — May 28, 2008 @ 2:03 pm
I like KilltheLibs idea. We need to have a civil war to kill off all the stupid liberal people, like KilltheLibs. As a conservative, I believe in small govt, balanced budgets, personal freedoms. The liberals have taken over and corrupted the GOP party and fooled a lot of idiots in believing they are conservative. The Bushies and his war is the worst incarnation of liberal values ever, which is exactly where the term neo-con comes from (i.e. "liberal").

In this civil war, the Bushies would wage some retarded strategy, like the one in Iraq, and be wiped off the face of the planet by those of us who have a brain and represent true conservative values.

Comment by Kill KilltheLibs — May 28, 2008 @ 2:03 pm
You repubs are good for an old man's soul. Your notions of selective law enforcement, parochial world view, and pre-literate understanding of history make me anticipate the November elections even more.

Comment by idiotsgalore — May 28, 2008 @ 2:04 pm
Stupid! This is a stupid waste of time and money

Comment by JJ — May 28, 2008 @ 2:05 pm
If you are as fed up as I am with these "do nothing" political leeches, FIX IT! Vote every incumbent out this time. There is no other way to clean house (and senate)…. just throw ALL of them out!

Let's start over with a clean slate. A fresh team couldn't possibly do worse than the garbage we've got now.

Comment by Virginia Hall — May 28, 2008 @ 2:07 pm
Big Dog said: "If the reason they want to investigate is because those attorneys were looking into stuff that might hurt the administration then why was that standard not applied when Clinton fired 90 attorneys. He fired all of them because one was looking into Dan Rostenkowski and was 30 days from making a ruling that would not be good for Dan. Carter fired one attorney because he was looking into one of Carter's friends. Bush should have fired all 90 and he would have been left alone. If he were a Dem he would be left alone no matter what."

Nailed it. Libscum don't care when Dems engage in real, clear, and blatant corruption break actual laws. But libscum cheer when Dems make up rules and laws and then waste millions of dollars investigating Republicans for allegedly breaking them. Welcome to the facism of the left.

Comment by MoonbatBane — May 28, 2008 @ 2:09 pm
I am joyous. It's about time Congress had the gonads to go after these crooks currently operating a shadow government.

Start with Rove, and don't stop till every one of those traitors are doing time for war crimes.

Comment by I AM — May 28, 2008 @ 2:10 pm
If this administration didn't step all over the constitution and break as many laws as they did and could there wouldn't be any need for investigations. I guess that's okay with all of you as long as it's your beloved party that is breaking them. How pathetic. You wanted to hang Clinton for getting a BJ, but at the same time you want to turn a blind eye for all the corrupt, illegal stuff this administration has done. Simply amazing. And don't get me started on the wasting money BS. Look where our economy is at now and who controlled all 3 branches of government to bring this about? It certainly wasn't the Democrats. Either you are all blind or just simply stupid.

Comment by Steve — May 28, 2008 @ 2:11 pm
Dave F: U.S. Attorneys are very much a part of the Judicial Branch - they're under the Department of Justice. Sounds like somebody else needs a civics lesson.

Timbeaux: Clinton did not fire 90 U.S.A's. At the beginning of each new administration, all U.S.A's routinely submit resignations which are routinely accepted by each new president so they can appoint their own people. Clinton did that at the beginning of his administration just as Bush did in 2000. The 9 U.S. A's who were fired were appointed by Bush. They were fired so they could be replaced by Rove protegees and others to pursue what are considered to be unethical prosecutions before the 2008 election.

Comment by Anna — May 28, 2008 @ 2:11 pm
Please read about the Don Seigelman political witch hunt put together by Rove and the Alabama Republican party.

Also read up about the DA's who were fired for not following in lock step with an exec branch determined to consolidate power.

This is just the beginning ditto heads. This disgraceful and criminally failed Presidential administration is going to be investigated like you won't believe and I can't wait until the rest of the Rats (like McClellan) come out of the woodwork to distance themselves from it. A LOT of great reading coming up in the near future.

BUSH was and is the worst president in the history of this nation and I can give you 20 reasons based on fact and the reality in front of your noses as to why that is. Rove represents the leading edge of the corrupt lobbyist and special interest groups (why do you think so many morons hear need to inject that Congress should let the Oil Co.'s raping this country to drill away anywhere they want. Your pain is their double edged gain. They pocket the money and then ask us to let them have the keys to the kingdom so they can save us from high gas prices. Like getting mugged and having the mugger ask you for your house keys too.) as I'm saying, Rove is of the same ilk as Abramoff and Delay and is owned by the lobbyists and the special interests, he is NOT above the law and his role in degrading this nations needs to be illuminated and he needs to spend time in jail in humilation as do Bush and Cheney and Rumsfeld who had a "justified war", but were too incompetent to pull it off and allowed a civil war to erupt and tear that country apart. Peace will only come to that country when the Sunni's, Shia and Kurds decide they want it regardless of a "surge", which is at best a huge bandage over a festering wound and guess which country is sitting pretty as the most powerful Muslim force in the area dictating that there will never be peace in Iraq. Yes, IRAN. Iran is the winner. Thank you George W. BUsh and Dick Cheney and Don Rumsfeld, Enron, Halliburton, BIg Oil INc, and PNAC and the rest of the Neocon idiots (Wolfy, Perle, the AIE)for making the world an infinitely more dangerous place.

And that my friends is the truth and you can deny it until your blue in the face, but there it is. Take a deep whiff. Pungent ain't it?

Comment by peter — May 28, 2008 @ 2:12 pm
The Dems "made up" Congressional subpoenas? Now you've gone and made Dan Burton cry. Shame on you.

Comment by cha cha cha — May 28, 2008 @ 2:14 pm
If there IN Vote them OUT!!!! The only problem with that is most open seats will be conservative and our country will go right to hell if they get control. We are all screwed if we don't wakr everyone up!!!!God Bless America!!

Comment by LGreen — May 28, 2008 @ 2:14 pm
Two-faced worthless politicians. They want us to think they are doing the people's work. But, as is clear by the approval ratings for congress no one actual thinks they are doing anything. In fact, it appears that they are preceived as doing less than President Bush, who actual has a much higher rating than congress. Frankly, the card carrying democrats should be embarrassed by all this partisian tit-for-tat. They lost big in '94 because of it and they will probably loss big in the next several large congressional elections that follow this presidental election especially if they continue to be be do nothings and fail the American people. They actually think that if a democrat makes it to the White House it will be clear sailing for their socialist/liberal agenda. Unfortunately the majority of Americans democrats included are middle of the road and they are no going to go for the empty promises of the democrat politicians or any politician for that matter and there definitely no going to buy off on any further or continued personal financial impact that higher taxes and continued high energy, food and healthcare costs are bringing. Congress has no clue!

Comment by Bud — May 28, 2008 @ 2:16 pm
hey june, those sour grapes that you've been sucking on for the past 8 years must really taste nasty by now.

Comment by BillyBob — May 28, 2008 @ 2:16 pm
1963 Communist Goals
The following was entered into the Congressional record by Albert Herlong, Jr. (a Floridian who served in Congress from 1949-69) in 1963.

1) US acceptance of coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war
2) US willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war
3) Develop the illusion that total disarmament by the US would be a demonstration of "moral strength"
4) Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war.
5) Extension of long term loans to Russia and Soviet Satellites
6) Provide American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination
7) Grant recognition of Red China, and admission of Red China to the UN.
Set up East and West Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev's promise in 1955 to settle the Germany question by free elections under supervision of the UN
9) Prolong the conferences to ban atomic tests because the US has agreed to suspend tests as long as negotiations are in progress
10) Allow all Soviet Satellites individual representation in the UN
11) Promote the UN as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one world government with its own independent armed forces. (Some Communist leaders believe the world can be taken over as easily by the UN as by Moscow. Sometimes these two centers compete with each other as they are now doing in the Congo)
12) Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party
13) Do away with loyalty oaths
14) Continue giving Russia access to the US Patent Office
15) Capture one or both of the political parties in the US
16) Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions, by claiming their activities violate civil rights.
17) Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for Socialism, and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers associations. Put the party line in text books.
18) Gain control of all student newspapers
19) Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack.
20) Infiltrate the press. Get control of book review assignments, editorial writing, policy-making positions.
21) Gain control of key positions in radio, TV & motion pictures.
22) Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all form of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings", substitute shapeless, awkward, and meaningless forms.
23) Control art critics and directors of art museums. " Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art".
24) Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press.
25) Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography, and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio and TV.
26) Present Homosexuality, degeneracy, and promiscuity as "normal, natural, and healthy".
27) Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity, which does not need a "religious crutch"
28) Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the grounds that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state"
29) Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis.
30) Discredit the American founding fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man".
31) Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of "the big picture:" Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over.
32) Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture - - education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc.
33) Eliminate all laws or procedures, which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus.
34) Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities.
35) Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI
36) Infiltrate and gain control of more unions.
37) Infiltrate and gain control of big business
38) Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrists can understand or treat.
39) Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose Communist goals.
40) Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce.
41) Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents.
42) Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special interest groups should rise up and make a "united force" to solve economic, political, or social problems.
43) Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government.
44) Internationalize the Panama Canal.
45) Repeal the Connally Reservation so the US can not prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction over domestic problems. Give the World Court jurisdiction over domestic problems. Give the World Court jurisdiction over nations and individuals alike.

Comment by Joseph H — May 28, 2008 @ 2:17 pm
What if he runs and hides out with Bin Laden, then we will never find him………….

Comment by Dave — May 28, 2008 @ 2:18 pm
MSNBC is the worst propaganda machine in the media.

Comment by Ryan — May 28, 2008 @ 2:19 pm
Bush should have fired all of the US attorneys. Then Pelosi and Carter should have been tried for treason for their illegal foreign policy ventures to the middle east.

Comment by Jill — May 28, 2008 @ 2:20 pm
It really alarms me to read all of these comments from people who think that congress investigating this issue is a waste of taxpayer dollars. This is the case of 9 U.S. Attorneys who were fired from their jobs, not because Bush felt like replacing them to change up people from an old administration, not because they we doing their jobs poorly, but because they were Democrats. That is not just using your executive power to keep attorneys at the will of the President, that is firing a person on the basis of their political beliefs, which is illegal. It is also illegal to have candidates for a job take a political litmus test. However both of those are things that the Justice Department did, under direction from top aides at the White House. Karl Rove is refusing to testify to the House Judiciary committee, a group of elected officials whose job is to oversee the Judiciary Department. If they see an issue, such as the politisation of of the Justice Department, it's not only their job, it's their DUTY as congressmen to make sure that the practices of the Judicial Department are A: Constitutional and
B: Meet with the current statutes under U.S. Law

It's clear that this has not been happening. It is within every right given to the Congress to oversee the Executive Branch, just like it's the Supreme Courts job to make sure that any laws Congress passes and the President signs are constitutionally

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May 28, 2008

Wasserman Schultz: Judiciary Committee Willing To Arrest Rove If He Doesn't Testify

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