[okie01]

That answer could be read as meaning a "question about the CIA" includes the question who were the "senior administration officials."

My initial thought, as well. But, remember, Novak says he called the CIA for confirmation of Plame's identity, got it...then was asked (not told) not to report it.

Novak has never revealed who he talked to in the CIA, either.

[Shermy]

"...Wilson never worked for the CIA, but his wife, Valerie Plame, is an Agency operative on weapons of mass destruction. Two senior administration officials told me Wilson's wife suggested sending him to Niger to investigate the Italian report. The CIA says its counter-proliferation officials selected Wilson and asked his wife to contact him. .."

Soundss like the SAO aren't "CIA". True.