by Frank James
Vice President Cheney has issued a statement of sadness and support for Lewis "Scooter" Libby, his former chief of staff, who was sentenced today to 30 months in federal prison for perjury and obstruction of justice in the CIA leak case.
Scooter has dedicated much of his life to public service at the State Department, the Department of Defense and the White House. In each of these assignments he has served the nation tirelessly and with great distinction. I relied on him heavily in my capacity as Secretary of Defense and as Vice President. I have always considered him to be a man of the highest intellect, judgment and personal integrity—a man fully committed to protecting the vital security interests of the United States and its citizens. Scooter is also a friend, and on a personal level Lynne and I remain deeply saddened by this tragedy and its effect on his wife, Harriet, and their young children. The defense has indicated it plans to appeal the conviction in the case. Speaking as friends, we hope that our system will return a final result consistent with what we know of this fine man.
Unlike most White House press releases, this particular one gave as a contact someone at the Williams and Connolly law firm.
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Comments
Boo Hoo, Dick. It should YOU facing a jail term.
Posted by: athena | June 5, 2007 3:26 PM
How soon do you think the President will sign a pardon?
Posted by: Jake | June 5, 2007 4:20 PM
Just tell the truth. (Snicker.)
Posted by: Bill Clinton | June 5, 2007 4:29 PM
Don't cry for Scooter. The morally bankrupt administration will pardon him soon.
Posted by: snitramc | June 5, 2007 4:36 PM
I smell a pardon coming on strong.
Posted by: pc | June 5, 2007 4:39 PM
Three articles (so far) about Libby but only one about "Cold Cash Jefferson." Has anyone bothered to get Nancy Pelosi's reaction to Jefferson's indictment or to ask whether she will withdraw his nomination to the Homeland Security Committee?
(or do reporters consider it impolite to ask such questions of a Democrat?)
Posted by: S. Sherman | June 5, 2007 7:45 PM
Bit player Jefferson "Cold Cash" will be going to the slam - as well he should.
Libby however, was a top government official who (at best) adversly affected the national security of the United Sates and deserves every second of his 30 month stint.
Posted by: Doug Zook | June 6, 2007 5:33 AM