"A leak gave Novak his answer: Wilson's wife, a CIA weapons of mass destruction operative, asked for him to be sent there. This answer suggested nepotism; in fact, Wilson was paid only for his travel expenses - undertaking the assignment because he was qualified, and a willing public servant. It may have even suggested, to some, a sinister plot to make sure the Niger uranium claim was discredited."
Joe Wilson said he did not know who sent him and he would not recognize them if he met them on the street.
Since Tenet asked for volunteers to go to Niger, and Plame offered up her lounge lizard hubby, wonder if Tenet told Novak?