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."

[PogySailor]

I don't believe he ever had one.

My prediction: By next week this issue will be dead. In fact on the Sunday talking head shows (except for Fox) the DEMOCRATS will be on the attack and Republicans reduced to sputtering fools.

Please GOP, prove me wrong.

[OXENinFLA]

I'll post the senate record of this when it becomes available.

[NutCrackerBoy]

Republicans, I am ashamed to admit, whine and take it.

I know it is cliche around here to evoke "the changed tone", usually with the rolling of the eyes. But maybe the Pubbies tone-changing "strategy" will ultimately bear fruit.

The general public hates bitter screaming partisanship. They think it is a waste of time, and does not get the business of the country done. In a way, the general public probably misunderestimates the value of hardball partisan strife. But Democrats have certainly been caught looking like hot-heads more often than Pubbies and that trend continues.

[varon]

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

"Serious Criticism" my a**. Rockefeller like other old money communists like Kennedy etc. have such a powerful hold on power in Washington that nothing short of a nuclear blast will loosen their grip. Does anyone really expect a reprimand of Rockerfeller after the display of a** kissing of Teddy Kennedy for the last couple of months by the current administration. The Republicans have no desire to hold Rockefeller or anyone else accountable. Their goal is to "build bridges" and "just get along". The Senate is a club like any other where you do not turn on your fellow member. The Senate is the showplace of America's Trailer Trash Aristocracy.

[EGPWS]

My gosh, the Republicans are getting tough now. Serious Criticism! Wow, that ought to find Rockefeller shaking

Ooooh yea, watch out Jay, if this mean spirited attack continues to grow, who knows, you may even be (gasp)...censured.

[RandallFlagg]

Kyl's up now.

[Judith Anne]

"A direct assault on the heart of the committee--"

"This will not go away. We are at a crossroads. Until and unless this attack plan is addressed, business cannot be conducted as usual in this committee."

(paraphrased)

Quoted Zell Miller about "perhaps treasonous"

Says Dems have openly embraced this memo. Says that won't wash. Democrat reaction is destructive.

Dems should carefully reflect what they want to do...

Says Dems must clearly repudiate the strategy of the memo.

or else the Dems will destroy the effectiveness of the committee when the country needs it most.

Now Jon Kyl Arizona is on.

[OXENinFLA]

Kyl up now!

[OXENinFLA]

I about lost it when he siad "or whatever word you want to use"

[nothingnew]

Anybody know what Rick Santorum's take is on this?

FMCDH

[N. Theknow]

*kneels*

*bows head*

Thank you My Liege.

[Judith Anne]

Says committee works in a vault to make sure it's secure. Says committe should be OUT OF BOUNDS FOR POLITICS!

Says there is a point beyond which you cannot go--when the other side, dems, take advantage.

Says Dems must disavow the memo and apologize.

Says too many hours have passed since first calls for disavowal.

[RandallFlagg]

Sounds like they're saying they've had enough of the 'rat's Barbra Streisand.

(I apologise for ruining everyone's lunch)

[NYC Republican]

Hannity just opened his show by saying he was going to blast the Senate GOP, and then said there have been significant developments the past 2 hours... Does anyone know what he's referring to? Is it Kyl's speech?

[Freemyland]

Thanks. As soon as I posted, I saw the updates about what was being shown on C-SPAN, and I am encouraged.

[EGPWS]

Got it!

Thanks!

[Judith Anne]

Kyl: Must be NO suggestion of influence by committee members STAFFS! Staffs must be ABOVE REPROACH!

Oh, this is great!

[OXENinFLA]

Hannity is on this too.

My mind is about to implode!

[Always Right]

There is no way Senator Rockafeelie should stay on the Senate Intelligence committee. Bush needs to demand his removal. You can't have a treasonous bastard on the committee that has access to vital security information. If the White House speaks up against Rockafeelie the media will be forced to cover this story.

[Judith Anne]

Kyl: Says no foreign country or intelligence community will EVER share information knowing it could go to political staffers and senators uses. Says it will make committee useless.