Hatch Warning: Sen. Rockefeller Risks 'Serious Criticism' for Memogate

NewsMax.com ^ | Friday Nov. 7, 2003 | Carl Limbacher and NewsMax.com Staff

[jmstein7]

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Ut., said Thursday that Sen. Zell Miller, D-Ga, was right to charge this week that a memo outlining plans by Senate Intelligence Committee Democrats to politicize Iraq war intelligence borders on "treason."

But the Utah Republican defended the committee's ranking Democrat, Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-WV, saying he shouldn't have to resign as the committee's vice chairman even if he's found have authorized staffers to prepare the bombshell document.

Asked about Sen. Miller's comment on Wednesday that the memo was "treason's first cousin" and that "heads should roll" over the episode, Sen. Hatch told radio host Sean Hannity, "I happen to love Zell Miller and I do agree with that because bad intelligence results in the deaths of Democrats and Republicans - in other words, our people."

But Hatch refused to call for disciplinary action against ranking Democrat Rockefeller, recommending instead that Republicans "publicly ask the Democrats how they reconcile [preparing such a memo] with the critical need for non-partisanship."

When Hannity said that his sources had identified Rockefeller as being responsible for the memo, Sen. Hatch turned defensive.

Noting that the West Virginia Democrat "has worked pretty well with [Committee Chairman] Pat Roberts," the Utah Republican said, "I really doubt that Sen. Rockefeller would have anything to do with trying to make [the Committee's investigation] that partisan."

Asked what would happen if it turned out that Rockefeller was implicated in the memo scandal, Hatch replied, "Well, it's a serious issue. I mean, it would be, you know - he would be seriously criticized if that were the case."

"I like Sen. Rockefeller very much but, I mean, that wouldn't be right," he added.

Despite the national security breach, Hatch said it would be unwise for the White House to stop cooperating with committee Democrats, saying he feared that the press wouldn't permit it.

"The can't [stop cooperating] because the major media in this country . . . is always on [the Democrats'] side and they don't ever get called to account," he complained. "If [Republicans] did something like that it would be front page headlines all over the country. You know that."

[Judith Anne]

Way to go, MO1! I hope EVERYONE calls!

[RandallFlagg]

Quorum call now.

[NutCrackerBoy]

serious criticism....sternly worded official note.....in the strongest possible terms

Don't forget "being saddened"

[cars for sale]

here comes the finale'

[Mo1]

I'll believe it when I see it. Remember last years supposed filibuster? I do

I do also, the media kept telling us this would happen too .. But since then .. they have heard from all of us about how ticked we were at what happened

I think this time it will happen

[abner]

Modified is NOT a filibuster... Throw them all out and start over!

[ClancyJ]

When are they going to realize it does not matter how much they love each other, how much they "like" each other - they have a job to do.

The good ole boys club better wake up and realize they are our paid representatives. They are to do a job.

I expect NO INTELLIGENCE DOCUMENTS TO THIS COMMITTEE AS LONG AS THEY ARE THIS UNCONCERNED ABOUT THE MISUSE OF THAT INFORMATION.

[eyespysomething]

On Sacrborough last night, he ran the Daschle "speech" aboput how it was "wrong, wrong, wrong to politicize the war", he was saddened by this, all in that Darth Vader gravely false voice. I almost fell off the couch laughing!

[Judith Anne]

Stolen;Stolen;Stolen;Stolen;Stolen;Stolen;Stolen;Stolen;Stolen;

Their ONE AND ONLY talking point.

[N. Theknow]

thank yew! Thank yew !

Take my wafer, please.

[RandallFlagg]

here comes the finale'

Drumroll, please..

D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D-

[Sacajaweau]

I believe so in an actual filibuster but they have apparently set some rules, 30 hours and I'm guessing that it has to be about the judges and not frivilous garbage. Of course, if we're talking about Dems talking, we're into frivilous garbage anyways.

Wonder if Hillary will give us "stupid people" ANOTHER lecture on the Constitution? Bubba must have laughed his butt off the first time.

[OXENinFLA]

Good I leave work in 5 mins.

[RandallFlagg]

Senate Adjourned until Monday.

[Leatherneck_MT]

To hell with the Bolshevik Major Media, to hell with the Bolshevik Democrats. These spineless maggots in the Senate need to start doing what is Right and quit whining about whether the GD Media and the Dems are ever going to like them. They will NEVER like you Senator Hatch. Get used to that FACT.

[OXENinFLA]

I'll try to ping y'all when I find the Senate record of this in the Daily Digest.

[OXENinFLA]

I'll try to ping y'all when I find the Senate record of this in the Daily Digest.

[StriperSniper]

As long as I don't have to HOST the party. ;-)

[RandallFlagg]

Roger that. Thanks.

[Judith Anne]

Ping me too, please!