Fired U.S. Attorney Speaks Out

By Jeralyn, Section Other Politics
Posted on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 01:13:00 AM EST
Tags: Alberto Gonzales (all tags)

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Fired U.S. Attorney David Iglesias has an op-ed in today's New York Times.

United States attorneys have a long history of being insulated from politics. Although we receive our appointments through the political process (I am a Republican who was recommended by Senator Pete Domenici), we are expected to be apolitical once we are in office. I will never forget John Ashcroft, then the attorney general, telling me during the summer of 2001 that politics should play no role during my tenure. I took that message to heart. Little did I know that I could be fired for not being political.

He goes on to describe the telephone calls from Sen. Peter Domenici and Congresswoman Heather Wilson.

More...

Ms. Wilson asked me about sealed indictments pertaining to a politically charged corruption case widely reported in the news media involving local Democrats. Her question instantly put me on guard. Prosecutors may not legally talk about indictments, so I was evasive. Shortly after speaking to Ms. Wilson, I received a call from Senator Domenici at my home. The senator wanted to know whether I was going to file corruption charges — the cases Ms. Wilson had been asking about — before November. When I told him that I didn’t think so, he said, “I am very sorry to hear that,” and the line went dead.

If there was a sealed indictment, it would mean he did bring charges -- someone was indicted and the indictment was under seal. Why did Heather Wilson think he indicted a Democrat when Domenici's question, about the same case, was only whether he was going to indict? Since Iglesias' response to Domenici was that he would not be charging anyone in the case, Heather Wilson's information was wrong. Where did she get that supposition? While the investigation had been reported in the media, I don't know that a conclusion resulting in an Indictment ever was reported.

Satisfactorily or not, Domenici has explained himself. Will Heather Wilson?

And kudos to David Iglesias for making this very, very important point.

What the critics, who don’t have any experience as prosecutors, have asserted is reprehensible — namely that I should have proceeded without having proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

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Fired U.S. Attorney Speaks Out | 36 comments (36 topical)

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great post, here -- and there is so much to this! (5.00 / 1) (#1)
by the rainnn on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 01:38:50 AM EST

we, as a nation, are arriving at a
turning point this week.

so, let us compare and contrast, shall we:

". . .I'm not going to let anybody come down
at night like Nicodemus and whisper something
in my ear that no one else can hear. That is
not executive privilege; it is poppycock. . ."

-- senator sam ervin, then the
chair of the senate select committee
investigating the watergate scandal

"Watergate and a lot of the things around
Watergate and Vietnam during the 1970s, served,
I think, to erode the authority I think the
president needs to be effective. . ."

-- vice president cheney, december 2005

[it is easy to recognize the rotting
fruit that fell from the above tree today. . .]

i, for one, think the narrative of the fired
attorney has the ring of truth all over it.

it would seem there would be little reason to
fabricate such claims, especially given that the
attorney's home phone records likely show the call
in issue -- increase the gravamen of this narrow
dispute -- perhaps even to watergate-era significance. . .

the president, somewhat disingenuously, it seems, has
asserted, without much logical foundation, that he
will be unable to obtain good advice if his people
may ultimately have to tell the truth about what
they said, after the fact. . . frankly, i don't
get it -- how is public veracity antithetical to
sound advice-giving and -receiving? [i assume, of
course, that mr. bush would not seek advice on the
pursuit of unlawful, but otherwise undetectable,
courses of action. perhaps that is my problem.]

"poppycock" seems apt, no?

Thanks for the great Sam Ervin quote (5.00 / 1) (#10)
by nolo on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 10:34:16 AM EST

It should be repeated often.


thanks -- great handle! (none / 0) (#25)
by the rainnn on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 03:33:22 PM EST

i use that same handle
at firedoglake -- cool!

and, yes ervin's witty,
wise words resonate today. . .

a heapin' helpin' o' irony,
fro dubbya, at that. . .


great minds (none / 0) (#26)
by nolo on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 03:40:52 PM EST

pick great handles. I'll be careful to use something else if I post at firedoglake, tho!!


: no worries! (none / 0) (#27)
by the rainnn on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 04:03:52 PM EST

it seems i'd happily share
your sentiments there, so
perhaps i should be the one
who is careful about what i
post over at the 'lake. . .
he he!
well-met.

I took that to mean (5.00 / 1) (#3)
by Jeralyn on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 09:25:00 AM EST

she had read about the case, not sealed indictments. Do you know if sealed indictments had been reported?

exactly. (5.00 / 1) (#5)
by the rainnn on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 09:28:34 AM EST

exactly, ms. merritt.


I took it to mean (none / 0) (#8)
by jimakaPPJ on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 10:27:45 AM EST

that there had been speculation, and that part of it had to do with sealed indictments.

Or maybe she was just speculating.

I could be wrong. You could be wrong.

But remembering all the indictments supposedly coming out of the Plame fisaco, I like my odds.


jim -- buddy -- the point is. . . (5.00 / 1) (#12)
by the rainnn on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 10:39:15 AM EST

the representaive may speculate all
she wants -- she cannot contact a u.s.
attorney to influence the timing or
outcome of a sealed indictment on
corruption. . . the law is clear.

this is very simple -- it seems you
seek to reframe the issue outside the
actual facts of the matter -- this is NOT
about speculating; this is about jaw-boning
a working prosecutor. . . that's just NOT
cricket. period.


The question (none / 0) (#14)
by jimakaPPJ on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 11:16:29 AM EST

is, was she trying to influence him. I don't see how being asked about something is an attempt to influence.

I worked for years in an environment in which I was asked about what I would or would not do about the actions of other people, and never had a problem giving an answer, or just saying NOYB.

Of course I am a registered Independent and not a Democrat looking for an issue.

So no, there is no attempt to reframe, although I do note your attempt to frame the issue.

BTW - From the post:

When I told him that I didn't think so, he said, "I am very sorry to hear that," and the line went dead

Why didn't the AG just say no (comment)??? I mean if it was such a big thing.


ahem. jim. (none / 0) (#19)
by the rainnn on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 12:54:56 PM EST

". . .Why didn't the AG just say no. . ."

i think he did. and he got
fired for it. erh -- you aren't
really helping your position, here.

"when the hole is head-high,
the first rule is: stop digging. . ."


ranain (none / 0) (#29)
by jimakaPPJ on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 05:24:06 PM EST

Uh, you see rainn, I don't have a "position." Being a registered Independent and Social Liberal (ex-Demo)I am free to call'em as I see'em...

Now, if you want to jump on Bush for NOT doing enough about national health care, rationalizing our nutso drug laws, BSing over Gay marriage, not trying harder on fixing Social Security, well, save me a seat on the bus...

But what I typically see from the Left is to try to get power, and to do that they seem to think that Bush must be destroyed, and along with that our war efforts...

Why not just wait and win the next election instead of destroying everything?


Why not... (none / 0) (#30)
by desertswine on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 05:33:01 PM EST

Why not just wait and win the next election instead of destroying everything?

Are you crying?


: Hurts, huh?? (none / 0) (#34)
by jimakaPPJ on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 09:46:07 PM EST

No, just pointing out that it appears that Bush must not be allowed to win, so that means the war cannot be won. The fact the Demos can win and the war also be won appears to not have crossed the collective mind of the Left.
In fact, it appears that the Demos have embraced a cut and run position solely so they can come to the election claiming to have lost the war.
That is sure to charm the folks.
Or do you not understand that what you are doing is giving the Repubs something to run on??

jim -- "position" refers. . . (none / 0) (#32)
by the rainnn on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 09:37:25 PM EST

to the arguments you've made
in this thread -- the positions
you've already staked out here -- they
simply don't hold water. i do agree
about health care, gay rights, social
security, ending poverty, providing a real
education to all, free of charge, protecting
reproductive rights, and privacy generally,
and curbing the insanity of border
policies. . . i'll drive that bus.

but to suggest we (you, and me) simply
wait for the next election -- ignoring criminal
conduct underway, right now, seems. . .

well. . .

silly. and, irrationally so.

in any event, cheers.


raninn (none / 0) (#35)
by jimakaPPJ on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 09:50:06 PM EST

I'll give you the same advice I gave the Repubs re Clinton's many sins.

Ignore them. In the broader view they mean nothing and, outside of the religious right, conspiracy theory nuts and various other hardcore groups, they are boring and easily dismissed as politics.

That is a deadly combination in an election year.


: i am sure. . . (none / 0) (#36)
by the rainnn on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 09:55:58 PM EST

. . .you'll understand -- when
i blithely ignore your pointers.

Deference vs Entitlement (5.00 / 2) (#6)
by TexDem on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 10:05:54 AM EST

There was a reason our founding father established that there be no Titles of Honor. No Dukes or Princes or Barons. The bestowing of a Title confers upon the recipient an entitlement and no one in America, where every man is created equal, is entitled to anything. We have over the years given office holders a certain bit of deference, however it seems that we as a nation should rethink even this.

It appears that holders of high office don't consider this deferences as deference but entitlements. No one is above the law in this country and no one is due any special consideration when running for re-election. If a prosecutor is investigating a situation and has yet to determine that a crime has or has not been committed then any pressure put upon them to lean one direction or the other is by definition and action interference with a officer of the court in the performance of their duties. And there should be consequences for those actions.

As a lay person this appears cut and dry. But as a legal matter it may be a bit murkier. Lay this out to anyone on the street in a generic scenario and that will be the majority response. When partisan lenses are added positions unfortunately change. That is a sad commentary on todays society.

Rep. Wilson and Sen. Domenici were and are wrong. In days long gone when we had such a thing as honor in this country they would admit their actions and accept the consequences. But in the words of the "Duke" (John Wayne); "that'll be the day." ("The Searchers", 1954)

Something to keep in mind. When one accepts and admits one errors, the consequences are often not as harsh as when one denies and is ultimately proven to be a liar. Errors are sometimes forgiven, lies are often treated harshly.

There is asking and there is asking. (none / 0) (#9)
by jimakaPPJ on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 10:34:03 AM EST

I think we can ask Nixon and Clinton about admitting errors and the consquences...

But wait!! Clinton didn't and Nixon did.

And I think if your scene presented the fact that this is was 100% politics the average person will just sigh and walk on by.

BTW - No one was indicted, sealed or otherwise. Right???


No one was indicted, sealed or otherwise. Right?? (none / 0) (#13)
by TexDem on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 10:53:05 AM EST

Exactly why there need not have been any pressure applied. If ther had been any there there, I'm sure Mr. Iglesia would have sought indictments, without any pressure. The phone calls, that they occurred at all implies pressure and is improper at the very least.

And as to admitting having an affair, that's partially why our divorce courts are full.

And as to Nixon admitting errors, I was 15 in 1973 and I don't recall Nixon admitting anything. In latter years he may have made some references but that would be long after it would have made a difference to the country. And any admitting to involvement in the Watergate break-in or the cover-up afterwards would have been news worthy.
There have been a lot of revisionist history about Nixon, but an admission of his culpability in Watergate is not one I've heard.


Clarity (none / 0) (#15)
by jimakaPPJ on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 11:28:06 AM EST

So you think Nixon resigning was not an admission? Had he thought he was innocent, he would have never given up.

I trust you are as demanding of such clarity in all areas of your life.

As to Clinton, are you saying that "I did not have sex with woman," was an admission.

And speaking of clarity, did you enjoy the explanation that a BJ wasn't sex??

And while I never thought this lie on TV and to the American people was remotely a reason to impeach, it was a denial. Whether or not Hillary wanted to forgive him is another issue.

As to the calls, they may imply pressure to you.
They don't to me.

Now, if David Iglesias wants to provide some further information, we'll see what that brings?


Sailor's Law ... (5.00 / 2) (#17)
by Sailor on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 12:03:18 PM EST

... invoked a record number of (off topic) times.

Sailor's Law: The index of desperation of the wrongwingers is the square of the number of times they invoke clinton or kennedy.

What's the difference between a BJ and f*cking? (5.00 / 1) (#18)
by Dadler on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 12:14:54 PM EST

And the notion that Nixon admitted anything by resigning is ridiculous. His pathetic farewell speech, invoking his mother, there was a deeply childish soul on display.

Clinton, by contrast, had to answer more questions about his personal sexual life than Nixon ever did about his "problems". And what about Nixon's boozing? Not troubled he was likely loaded when making Vietnam decisions?

Are war decisions more important than BJ decisions to you?

I thought so.

Have a good one.


Good Luck!! (none / 0) (#20)
by jimakaPPJ on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 01:40:07 PM EST

Dadler - Sad to see you emotionally choose to not understand what I said.

1. By resigning Nixon admitted his wrong doing. Please show some logic by agreeing with that. His farewell speech has nothing to do with his actions.

I have no real knowledge about his so-called boozing, and no knowledge of him making decisions under the influence. Do you?? If so, links please.

2. As you are aware I have said time and again that Clinton's relationship with a very young impressionable female employee, and even his lies about it, was not offense that should impeach him and that the Repubs were wrong in trying to take him down on that.

Why? Even though those actions would get a CEO fired, the President is a political person, and it didn't rise to high crimes or other misdemeanors.

So why the last question?

But to answer it, I have no idea as to Clinton's state when he decided we must invade Kosovo...

3. I would answer the question posed in the title of your comment, but think that you should figure that out by yourself. Good luck!!


actually ... (5.00 / 1) (#21)
by Sailor on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 01:50:56 PM EST

... anybody can understand that you just hijacked yet another thread by bleating about the clenis instead of dealing with Iglesias' op-ed which is the topic.

I personally think Iglesias was bhrave to write it seeing as how the admin is willing to call their minions in for scorch and burn swiftboat tactics and personal attacks trying to distract the discourse from the fact that they interfered with a federal investigation in a concerted effort to influence an election and then lied to congress about it.


: sailor (none / 0) (#28)
by jimakaPPJ on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 05:02:41 PM EST

I think he had the right to write whatever he wanted.
That he waited until after he was dismissed does give me some pause to consider... but that's just me.

The Gloves Come Off: (5.00 / 1) (#22)
by Edger on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 02:25:54 PM EST

DOJ Threatened Retaliation Against Fired Attorneys

A Justice Department official threatened to take the "gloves off" and "retaliate" against the eight United States attorneys who were abruptly removed from their posts if they continued to speak publicly about the circumstances behind their dismissals, according to an email released late Monday sent to the fired prosecutors by one of their colleagues....
More...

Politics - Nasty not illegal (none / 0) (#31)
by jimakaPPJ on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 09:35:50 PM EST

Looks like good old fashioned bare knuckles politics..

Now, what political party had the House and the Senate and the Presidentancy when it was announced:

"Politics is a blood sport."


: what part of "state action. . ." (none / 0) (#33)
by the rainnn on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 09:41:25 PM EST

is unclear to you -- in that clause
which begins "congress shall make no law. . ."
these GOVERNMENT employees have first
amendment rights -- to say nothing of
the legal protections afforded whistle-blowers.

"Well I am not a crook!" (5.00 / 1) (#23)
by Che's Lounge on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 02:45:55 PM EST

Richard Nixon.

Jim you sound about as "independent" as a Fox news reporter. Nice hijack, though. What were we talking about? Oh yeah, obstruction of justice, interfering with an ongoing investigation, issuing at least three different explanations, all false, for the firings.

Re: Clinton

I didn't get all lathered up about that, and I'm not going to now.

How convenient for you. Maybe you could post that viewpoint over at LGF and see what they say. Maybe YOU didn't get lathered up about it, but your hypocrite friends on the right were absolutely rabid then (in case you forgot). Over a BJ.

Of course, as the RWNJ's love to say:

"No reason to fear the oath if you got nuttin' ta hide!"

: Nice hijack, though... (5.00 / 1) (#24)
by desertswine on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 03:31:01 PM EST

Indeed it is so... In post titled "US Attorney Speaks Out" the Trollking managed to reference Bill Clinton six times, Nixon four times, Hilary Clinton once, Kosovo once, and even the Chinese one time. Someone needs to find a new hobby.

On the 5'oclock news (none / 0) (#2)
by jimakaPPJ on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 08:56:36 AM EST

From the post:

Why did Heather Wilson think he indicted a Democrat when Domenici's question, about the same case, was only whether he was going to indict?

Maybe she was reading the news??

Ms. Wilson asked me about sealed indictments pertaining to a politically charged corruption case widely reported in the news media involving local Democrats.

in either case, jim, it is irrelevant. (5.00 / 2) (#4)
by the rainnn on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 09:27:31 AM EST

the gravamen of the issue
is that legislators should not
be trying -- even obliquely -- to
influence the timing/progress of any
corruption case -- republican
or democrat -- by directly jaw-
boning the involved u.s. atty. . .

that just smells like obstructing justice. . .

so. . . while your suggestion
may be mildly entertaining,
it is ultimately irrelevant. . .


Lathered up. (none / 0) (#7)
by jimakaPPJ on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 10:23:27 AM EST

If I started jumping up and down about appearnces of obstructing justice I would be in constant motion, starting during the Clinton years.

I didn't get all lathered up about that, and I'm not going to now.


Invoking Clinton is becoming (5.00 / 1) (#11)
by TexDem on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 10:34:26 AM EST

very much like invoking Hitler. Without proper foundation and facts to back up your statement it smacks of a weak argument. When someone pulls out a Hitler comparison without setting up a position by position case it often means they haven't thought it through. Their position may be valid, but just invoking the name without reciting talking points or disproven myths is something worthy of a junior high conspiracy.


: I think you protest too much. (none / 0) (#16)
by jimakaPPJ on Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 11:41:20 AM EST

Come now. Let's don't pretend that we can not remember all the times no one could remember..
And btw - I had no problem with this except for the ones where the Chinese were involved.