Posted on 11/07/2003 11:29:18 AM PST by 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."
NO!
The Rodney King Party of Wimps!
LOL! Good point. Humorous, but nonetheless a great observation. You think their Mormon teachings prevent them from being confrontational? I'm trying to think of a ballsy Mormon, but I can't right off hand?
You are singing my song gunner03!
I have too many friends and peers in the USMC, Army Navy and Air Force to not let this inconvenience Senator Hatch. You can't blame his faith for this spinelessness. His is not a discussion based upon principle it is one based on shock that we are upset aboutthis. He knows that this goes on every day in DC!
I think freekitty has it pegged:
Our Senators are not going to really get pissed off. It would ruin their lifestyles.
Orrin is afraid for his lifestyle and that of his private little club. He has no more desire to serve those citizens in the military than he does in having his coif fussed!
Semper Fi!
TS
Don't count your Hatches until they've chickened.
Leni
If this had been a Republican leak and a Republican staff worker the dims would be screaming for the resignation of both.
Look at what happened to Trent Lott on a simple linguistic goof.
What's good for the goose (Republicans) is good for the gander (dims).
We need to push this point voiciferously! Call, fax or email your Senator!
Kit Bond is my Senator. Go Kit Go!
Sorry I missed him on C-Span.
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