Bolten, Miers in Dems' contempt crosshairs

Bolten, Miers in Dems' contempt crosshairs

By: John Bresnahan
Oct 26, 2007 06:09 AM EST


House Democratic leaders have begun privately surveying their members to determine their support for a criminal contempt resolution against White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten and former White House Counsel Harriet Miers for shunning congressional subpoenas in the U.S. attorney investigation.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.) said the contempt motion could be brought to the House floor “as early as next week,” but Democratic leadership aides cautioned that Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has not yet made any final decision on a vote. And one House aide close to the situaton said a vote was "more likely" in two weeks.

If a criminal contempt resolution were approved against Miers and Bolten, it would represent a dramatic escalation in the battle between the White House and Congress over the extent of executive privilege and the president’s right to shield senior aides from Congress.

Several Democratic lawmakers, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said they had been “whipped” on the contempt issue in the last several days, and all said they would back the measure if it came to the floor.

Rep. Brad Miller (D-N.C.) was asked by the leadership to conduct the “informal” whip count, said one Democratic insider. But the congressman could not be reached for comment.

more...

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1007/6562.html

Is the gun loaded? Is the trigger functional?

too would pass, and it might. But I'd be very happy if they filed something against anyone and everyone who ignores subpoenas (including Rice).

:banghead:

Months have gone by since the subpoenas were ignored, and now they are considering them?

Because I don't believe the Senate will ever do jack shit about making these creeps comply with their subpoenas, at least as long as that blowhole leahy is chairman of the judiciary committee.

she has sold her soul. I am sorry I ever supported her.

". . . but Democratic leadership aides cautioned that Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has not yet made any final decision on a vote."

:argh:

THIS WOMAN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED!!!!!!!

and support contempt.

Combine this report along with Waxman's ongoing investigations and the DOJ investigation into Gonzo and we may start seeing some real fireworks here. Gonzo's definitely in very hot water and Rove isn't far beyond. These people were the first to "dummy up" and hold the keys to several different scandals that could bust things wide open. Miers surely sat in on several of Gonzo's adventures and was "facilitator" in a lot of the dirty work that went on. Bolton knows where the skeletons are burried...who talked to whom and how the money was spread around. If their testimony can't bring forth damning evidence, their emails surely could.

Conyers knows how to play this game...and what it will lead to. This regime will exert its privilidge and off to court we go. Better to get this showdown rolling. Also, the fading hopes of the Repugnicans in recapturing the House is giving Conyers breathing room as he is looking at this as a long-term investigation/prosecution that will take beyond 1-20-09 to resolve.

run their course, and then for fireworks? I'm as sick of waiting as the next person, but I'm with you and will remain somewhat optimistic that we could be in for a show.

Sis, I'm with you...I'm anxious to get this show on the road...but I want it to be thorough. The corruption and criminality in this regime is so deep and the unraveling of this complex syndicate is just beginning. I suspect we have only begun to learn about how badly this regime has politicized all elements of our government and created a kleptocracy. The wheels of justice move slow, but the truth can't be denied and those who've destroyed this country must be held accountable.

:toast:

What is it with this interminable dithering?

DO IT ALREADY.