Here is why the Bush White House is scared to death of subpoenoes....

It goes much further than these eight(8) US Attorneys that were fired.

Take your pick, and you find that use of the Dept of Justice for political purposes has been pervasive:

* Pressure placed on US Attorneys to 'go easy' and to 'sabotage' the Government's case against the tobacco companies.

* Intervention to prevent US House Representative Charles Taylor from being questioned regarding a 'loan fraud case involving a bank he owns.'

* Intervention to head off an investigation of Jack Abramoff in Guam by firing the US Attorney.

And the list goes on and on.....

Congress in its role of performing oversight of the Executive Branch could get into any of these scandals, and the White House knows it.

IF there is an arrangement to finally have them testify, many limitations will be set and agreed to.

But you have to remember if Congress proceeded under some kind of limitation at that hearing, then they could recall that witness later(also under subpoena) without any kind of limitations.

We do not let criminal activity go unpunished because the witness agrees to withhold evidence at a hearing which is directed at another matter.

Congress' power in this regard is unlimited.

Are they going to just let him keep hanging out there in the wind without any conclusion? I don't know whether he did something or not, but it sure is taking an awfully long time for the Justice Dept. to advance it.

Pisses me off that Cons will throw his name out there when they're losing an argument! :grr:

They cannot make political hay out of a not guilty verdict.
BTW, when is Tom Delay's trial?:eyes:

It's further attempts to manipulate a jury pool that he's just a really nice guy who was smeared by those evil Democrat terrorists who are a threat to the nation and want to destroy our way of life. :puke:

It will play in Texas.:(

I think it was on MSNBC.

under the microscope. That's my guess.

primarily that his 'associations' that are under investigation have led toward people that the Bushies/GOP have dealings with. Maybe even a few no-bid contracts signed-off by the VP! (no sources, just spec and rumor from my tfh)

And secondarily, the added bonus as you've described.

(before 9.11, that is)

from USAs. Plenty of reasons to start investigations.

OB·STRUC·TION –noun 1. something that obstructs, blocks, or closes up with an obstacle or obstacles; obstacle or hindrance: obstructions to navigation.
2. an act or instance of obstructing.
3. the state of being obstructed.
4. the delaying or preventing of business before a deliberative body, esp. a legislative group, by parliamentary contrivances.

would endanger a president's right to have candid conversations with his staff. Ok, I can understand that. But can't they be subpoenaed to answer questions about exchanges and business that took place that did not involve personal conversations with the president?

U.S. attorneys. IF he didn't have any conversations with anyone about the firings then why not let them testify because, after all, none of it involves HIM....which is who the repukes SAY they are protecting with this "Excecutice Priviledge" CRAP. If he's not involved, what are they protecting? It's not like Congress is going to ask about top secret, National Security matters when talking about these firings.

Al Franken's The Truth, with Jokes. The guy's a complete bastard (Tom DeLay, too, but everyone knows that).

once they start getting the lead BushCoers on the stand and they start making deals to save their own asses, it's all over for them . . . and a lot of them will be going to prison . . .

You have seen this scenario play out with Nixon in the past, and you have an idea what is coming.

If you put too much space between yourself and the Bush White House, there is still enough power there that if it is directed at you for not being loyal it can do great damage.

If you speak out in favor of the Bush White House and adopt their talking points you can envision tv political ads being run at you next reelection which spotlight your affirmative support for a corrupt Administration.

If you remain silent, you may get both barrels for knowing too much and failing to do anything.

Career Republicans are interested in their pensions and benefits, and their continued employment.

Must be a difficult time to be a Republican on the Hill today... whether to be a statesman and stand for what is right, or be a political hack and protect criminals and their wrongdoing. Not a tough choice for the average joe, but then nothing about them is average....

time to get off the fence.

An extremely loyal and intricate network managed by Rove. At this point, short of murder at 1600 Pennsylania Avenue committed by Rove with video would be required before the GOP Leadership stops twisting arms.

list of Jack Abramoff's White House Contacts: Karl Rove, Susan Bonzon Ralston, Barry Jackson, Ken Mehlman, Ruben Barrales and Jennifer Farley-plus some possible others.
http://oversight.house.gov/abramoff/index2.asp