Ashcroft Recuses Self From CIA Leak Probe

ABC ^

[The G Man]

Update:

Ashcroft Recuses Self From CIA Leak Probe

Attorney General John Ashcroft Will Recuse Himself From Probe Into Who Leaked Name of CIA Operative

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON Dec. 30 ? Attorney General John Ashcroft will recuse himself from an investigation into who leaked the name of a CIA operative, Justice Department sources said Tuesday.

The investigation will be headed by the U.S. attorney in Chicago, Patrick Fitzgerald, who will report to Ashcroft's new deputy, James Comey, the officials said. It was not immediately clear why Ashcroft made the decision.

Investigators want to know who leaked the name of Valerie Plame, an undercover CIA officer, to syndicated columnist Robert Novak in July. Plame is married to former Ambassador Joseph C. Wilson, who has said he believes his wife's identity was disclosed to discredit his assertions that the Bush administration exaggerated Iraq's nuclear capabilities to build the case for war.

The leaker could be charged with a felony if identified.

Copyright 2003 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

[A Citizen Reporter]

Funny thing is that the two guests on the Fox show, knew exactly how it should be intrepreted. That stupid Mike Jerrick did not, even though he asked his guests. Mikey wouldn't believe it until his producer whispered in his ear.

[Salvation]

Not Rita Cosby but Mike Jerrick standing in for Linda Vester.

[Cicero]

Somehow I don't remember Janet Reno ever recusing herself.

[Peach]

Ditto your #43.

[Salvation]

**Somehow I don't remember Janet Reno ever recusing herself.
**

LOL!

She didn't even know how to say "Excuse me!"

[Smogger]

Somehow I don't remember Janet Reno ever recusing herself.

I dunno. She would just goto the three judge panel under the independent counsel law, and get them to appoint an independent counsel. I am not sure if that's what Ashcroft is going to do. Maybe he just appoints one on his own (since the IC law is kaput)

[conserv13]

How about Gerald Fitzpatrick?

[Eva]

No, I don't think that would be a proper use of the word, recuse. Spurrier is not disqualifying himself from judging something.

recuse - to disqualify somebody from judging or participating in something because of bias or personal
interest, or withdraw for that reason.

Ashcroft is recusing himself because there is no case here and it would be more meaningful if someone else made this determination. The left is so desperate for some negative news about the Bush administration that they are busy manufacturing it.

[Stars N Stripes]

"Funny thing is that the two guests on the Fox show, knew exactly how it should be intrepreted. That stupid Mike Jerrick did not, even though he asked his guests. Mikey wouldn't believe it until his producer whispered in his ear."

Yeah, Mikey's not exactly a hard news guy. But he's great when he's fillin' in on "Fox and Friends". He has a great, quick wit.

[Liberty Valance]

The press knows who leaked the information. Pres. Bush asked them point blank to help find the leaker. We're going to spend millions of dollars to come up with a name the press already knows? Maybe the dems are trying to revive the deep throat angle.

[The G Man]

Are you saying that Steve Spurrier has (GASP!) ... resigned then???

[Steve_Seattle]

I thought Ashcroft announced from day one that he would not personally be heading this investigation, so why is this news?

[Cathryn Crawford]

Patrick J. Fitzgerald is a Bush appointee.