by Mark Silva
The House Judiciary Committee wants to talk to Karl Rove, and it isn't asking any more. Rove's lawyer appears a little concerned that the committee chairman has a, well, butt-kicking, in store for his client, "a free agent.''
Rove wasn't willing to have an on-the-record public talk with congressional investigators. So the House Judiciary Committee today subpoenaed the former deputy chief of staff for President Bush and ex-chief of White House political affairs - who has gone on to appearances on cable news shows and a newsmagazine column of his own, as well as opening up a Washington consulting firm.
The subpoena is part of a continuing probe of the White House's involvement in the Justice Department's firing of several federal prosecutors.
The subpoena orders Rove to appear on July 10 and face expected questions about the White House's role in the firing of nine U.S. attorneys in 2006 as well as the prosecution of former Gov. Don Siegelman of Alabama, a Democrat. Rove has denied playing any role in the Siegelman affair.
House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers had negotiated with Rove's attorneys for more than a year about testifying voluntarily.
"It is unfortunate that Mr. Rove has failed to cooperate with our requests," Conyers (D-Mich.) said in a statement today. "Although he does not seem the least bit hesitant to discuss these very issues weekly on cable television and in the print news media, Mr. Rove and his attorney have apparently concluded that a public hearing room would not be appropriate."
"Unfortunately, I have no choice today but to compel his testimony on these very important matters," Conyers said.
In light of Conyer's reported remarks for the need for "someone'' to "kick his ass,'' Rove's attorney, Robert Luskin, wrote to the chairman this week, he is "not the least bit confused about the committee's motives or intentions.''
"I confess, however, that I do not understand why the committee is threatening a subpena to Mr. Rove for information related to the alleged "politicization of the Justice Department... I do not understand why the committee insists on provoking a gratuitous confrontation ... or why the committee refuses to consider a reasonable accommodation.''
See Luskin's words: Luskin's letter to Conyers.pdf
See the chairman's words: Conyers letter to Rove's attorney.pdf
See the subp0ena for Rove: Rove subpena.pdf
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Comments
We probably won't see Rove follow Scooter to prison, but thanks to Conyers for helping him find the motivation to testify.
Posted by: Tom O | May 22, 2008 3:35 PM
They need to hold off on the indictment, a Rove indictment should happen after Bush leaves office. Bush won't be able to pardon him after January, 20 2009, he can't pardon anybody who doesn't have charges or an indictment before January 20..
Conyers needs to send a crew downstairs to the basement to spruce up that little Congressional holding cell they have down there. They can sweep out the cobwebs and apply a little fresh paint as the cameras roll.
Posted by: John E | May 22, 2008 3:43 PM
Obama and his minions may pretend that BHO is the messiah, but Karl Rove IS the messiah.
Posted by: The Architect | May 22, 2008 4:03 PM
Obama and his minions may pretend that BHO is the messiah, but Karl Rove IS the messiah.
Posted by: The Architect | May 22, 2008 4:04 PM
"D.J. KARL ROVE SPEAKS"
THIS "PREEMPTIVE STRIKE" TOWARDS THE PRESIDENTS EXECUTIVE KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT ORDER 9/11 IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL.
BY REMOVING, ATTORNEY GENERAL, IN DEALINGS WITH THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, AND INSERTING, DAVID ADDINGTON, RELIEVES ME OF ANY CONSTITUTIONAL OATHS TO THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH OF THE UNITED STATES.
I'M NOT BLACK!
I'M NOT OBAMA!
I'M NOT BARRY BONDS!
I'M NOT CHARLES BARKLEY!
I'M NOT WESLEY SNIPES!
I'M NOT REV WRIGHT!
I'M D.J. KARL ROVE, AKA MCCAIN EXTERMINATOR 04!
Posted by: Roger Morris | May 22, 2008 4:12 PM
John Conyers is a raving lunatic with Congressional subpeona powers.
This is the guy that pushed the Diebold conspiracy for the loony left.
Rove is laughing at this guy, and has been for months.
Face it libs, you are desperate to get Rove for beating you.
Rove laughs at you, and always will!
Posted by: Loony | May 22, 2008 4:13 PM
"I refuse to testify on the grounds that you just want to kick my ass." Is that a possible legal strategy?
How about just, "I refuse to testify on the grounds that you're going to ask questions which, if I answered truthfully, might sent me to the klink"?
Posted by: Bud McFarlin | May 22, 2008 4:20 PM
Did Rove think he would be able to get away with what he did forever? He had to know that Republicans wouldn't be in power forever. If he didn't know that then maybe he's not as smart as everyone (on the right that is) though he was.
It's time to pay the piper Mr. Rove. It's time to pay your dues and it's time to get the truth out. You know as well as I do that nothing is going to come of these hearings. He's either going to hide behind executive privilege or just deny everything like the coward he is. Mr. Rove, your time has come and you need to come clean.
Posted by: Matt O'Malley | May 22, 2008 4:23 PM
I can't wait to see him handcuffed and marched off to jail.
Posted by: Cheryl | May 22, 2008 4:37 PM
Face it libs, you are desperate to get Rove for beating you.
Rove laughs at you, and always will!
Posted by: Loony | May 22, 2008 4:13 PM
No, actually we're laughing at you Wingnuts and what's left of your "permanent Republican majority"....HAHAHA!
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/ultravod/159632406/
Posted by: jimmy | May 22, 2008 4:43 PM
@ Loony and Architect: How can anyone defend this monster? He consistantly lied to and manipulated the general public for 8 years!
He and Bush should be tarred and feathered, and put in prison for life.
Posted by: collmad | May 22, 2008 4:46 PM
Rove is your typical neo-con slime and needs to be in prison along with Bush, Cheney, Rummy, and the rest of the Repub filth. You guys need to stop worrying about getting McBush elected as it will never happen. You need to be more concerned about the 25 Senate seats and countless House seats that you will inevitably lose in November. Your weak candidate is the least of your worries. The repugnant and failed policies of the Repub party combined with your vile and blind platform will destroy you.
Posted by: Mrs. Jesus | May 22, 2008 4:47 PM
the lead-off Comment seems to think Scooter went to jail. I think that's incorrect. He's still walking around----it was Martha Stewart who did time.
Posted by: Allen, Asheville NC, US | May 22, 2008 5:01 PM
For a supposedly knowledgeable attourney, Mr. Luskin doesn't seem to understand much. He seems to understand as much about this case as Mr. Rove understands about ethics.
Posted by: Joe S. | May 22, 2008 5:02 PM
Why is this even an issue? Didn't Janet Reno fire ALL 50 federal prosecutors when she took office?
Posted by: tomg | May 22, 2008 5:04 PM
Wow. Nobody cared when Clinton fired so many more judges. Glad to see the Dems tackling the important issues.
Posted by: no name | May 22, 2008 5:06 PM
Rove is laughing at this guy, and has been for months.
Face it libs, you are desperate to get Rove for beating you.
Rove laughs at you, and always will!
Posted by: Loony | May 22, 2008 4:13 PM
No, actually we're laughing at you Repubs and that "permanent Republican majority" that the wingers and Rove dreamed up, whatever happened to that anyway?
Posted by: Libs laughing at you | May 22, 2008 5:10 PM
I'm not sure. But the statute of limitations to indict Janet Reno is long gone. Get over it.
Posted by: anyhoo | May 22, 2008 5:36 PM
If folks can't understand why:
1) A bunch of Republican-nominated, Republican DAs feel they were pushed out for failing to prosecute A) to coordinate with election season, or B) trumped-up corruption/voter-fraud charges;
2) Those same DAs getting non-partisan support from throughout the DOJ and beyond
3) Putting a innocent man (don't think so? He was RELEASED FROM PRISION, not simply awarded appeal, but taken out of the clink based on the re-examination of the case) behind bars simply because it's politically advantageous...
...then you folks don't love America, despite all the flag-wavin' and misty-eyed tough talkin' your party is so proficient at. That what they do in banana republics, though based on the last 7 years, that seems to be the end that BushCo seems to have in mind. Of course, when Siegelman walks (and he will walk), you guys can wave your flag a bit harder, and squeal "Activist judges!" The rest of the sane world will celebrate a modicum of, if not justice, then injustice undone.
Posted by: A Cynic | May 22, 2008 5:38 PM
Conyers wants to kick Rove's ass? He needs to take a number. He'll be 5,987,642.
Posted by: anyhoo | May 22, 2008 5:40 PM
Hey ignorant tomg...all incoming administrations replaceme the AGs at the beginning of their terms. It's the firing in the middle of an administration that hasn't been done before. Learn on your own before you post!
Posted by: neal | May 22, 2008 5:42 PM
Why is this even an issue? Didn't Janet Reno fire ALL 50 federal prosecutors when she took office?
The wholesale firing of lead federal prosecutor(s) when a different administration comes in is nothing new, and has been happening for decades. It's akin to appointing a treasurer, sec. of agriculture etc. What you can't do is fire select federal prosecutors because of the cases they pursue, or the individuals they may indict, BIG DIFFERENCE.
Posted by: mike | May 22, 2008 5:50 PM
Why is this even an issue? Didn't Janet Reno fire ALL 50 federal prosecutors when she took office?
The wholesale firing of lead federal prosecutor(s) when a different administration comes in is nothing new, and has been happening for decades. It's akin to appointing a treasurer, sec. of agriculture etc. What you can't do is fire select federal prosecutors because of the cases they pursue, or the individuals they may indict, BIG DIFFERENCE.
Posted by: Mike | May 22, 2008 5:52 PM
"Wow. Nobody cared when Clinton fired so many more judges. Glad to see the Dems tackling the important issues."
Again, think before you speak. Federal judges have a lifetime appointment and Presidents cannot "fire them."
Posted by: Mike | May 22, 2008 6:02 PM
All those Bushies better get in line and wait for their subpoenas and indictments. There is enough to go around and then some!! Will the last Ridiculous Republican in town please, turn off the lights, President Bush needs his sleep !!!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, Chicago | May 22, 2008 6:19 PM
Karl Rove is a despicable human being. He cares nothing about the people of the United States, only the power that he can get for himself as a kingmaker and for his clients as elected officials.
He is content to gain power in any way that is necessary. He uses racism, cynicism, fear, hate, and outright lies to manipulate and take advantage of the less educated among us.
His Machavellian politics have no place in a free society where truth and justice are supposed to reign supreme.
Mr Rove deserves the full wrath of the Federal government, whatever that may be.
Posted by: Destruction of the Architect's Blueprint | May 22, 2008 6:27 PM
Nobody cares about the fired attorneys. This is more democrat headhunting. Not since McCarthy have elected officials gone after others with such personal vendetta and disdain. Just like all their useless investigations, nothing will come of this. It will fade away and be forgotten after we spend millions.
Posted by: John | May 22, 2008 7:35 PM
More political posturing. The Senate failed when they tried to subpoena on the grounds of executive privilege. What makes Conyers think he's going to win a fight that was lost a year ago?
Posted by: VivianC | May 22, 2008 8:06 PM
How quickly we forget the millions the GOP spent on Ken Starr investigating such high crimes and misdemeanors as adultery and fornication All 237 Rove fans on this planet have collective senile dementia.
Posted by: anyhoo | May 22, 2008 8:14 PM
Conyers wants to kick Rove's ass? He'll have to take a number. We're up to 9,587,642.
Posted by: anyhoo | May 22, 2008 8:16 PM
If they ever get to the bottom of this issue, I think a lot of people will be horrified.
Bush fired all 50 AGs when he took office too. EVERY President fires all of the AGs when they take office. BUT these 8 or 9 new ones didn't go through Congress to get approved. The way every other AG in history did.
AND the reasons they were fired is what is critical One because he wouldn't go after a Democrat for voter fraud because he knew there wasn't a case. But Rove wanted the Dem to lose the election. If the guy was on trial for fraud, he wouldn't win, would he?
And another was fired for going after a corrupt Republican because he had a strong case and wouldn't back off.
These were ALL Bush appointees.
I don't know about the rest of you, but I want my justice department to dole out justice. Not politics.
Criminal prosecution should not be partisan.
Posted by: SamG | May 22, 2008 8:29 PM
Maybe Conyers should read the job description given to US Attorney's. It says they serve "at the pleasure of the President".
It's a politically appointed post by defintion. So the idea that "political motivation" resulted in firings is redundant. It (politics) is how you get hired, and how you leave. Ask the hundreds fired by the last president.
Maybe Conyers and his committee should spend some time working on real business, instead of this junk.
Posted by: crazy politico | May 22, 2008 8:39 PM
it is about time...
boy... is he ever going to make a lovely bride!
Posted by: mimi | May 22, 2008 8:53 PM
john, since you referenced mccarthy, i can only assume you remember ken starr & co. in the 90's. democrat head-hunting? yer funny.
Posted by: crud | May 22, 2008 9:25 PM
John Conyers has made his office staff be baby sitters and maids. This guy is a pompous stupid Congressman.
He is after Karl Rove for his 15 minutes of fame. Conyers is a nobody out to be a somebody. It's right out of the DNC playbook written by Howard"George Wallace" Dean who stole the votes from Florida and Michigan. There is nothing Democratic about the Jackass Party.
Conyers is an egomaniac on a mission to have fun at Rove's expense period! End of story. Jerry White, Springfield, IL
Posted by: Jerry White | May 23, 2008 9:59 AM
George Bush showed his wisdom and character in firing Karl Rove early on. Oh yea, that's George HW Bush, the current Bush's father. Do the reasearch. Bush Sr. fired Rove when he found out what a scoundrel he is.
Two things, rigthies. First, before being proud of Rove, do the research. Ask yourself if his tactics are good for America. Second, ask your self if you would like the Democrats to do as Rove does. In this realm of politics-is-war that you've created, no side is going to sit by and let the other side use tricks and ploys without replying in kind. This is a downward spiral you're putting us in. Ronald Reagan would never have even considered a shyster like Rove.
Posted by: JTS | May 23, 2008 1:04 PM