[VadeRetro]

Give it a rest -- Republicans have no need to go steal files obtained under the Freedom of Information act. To equate both parties in this is absurd!

The files are not original with Nicosia. In theory, anyone could obtain them under the FOIA. What exactly does this crime accomplish except cover Nicosia's butt?

[HarryCaul]

FOIA requests aren't instant.

If someone wanted to prevent the info in the files from seeing the light of day, stealing them forces another FOIA request, which in all probability wouldn't get filled until after November, or close enough as to make no difference.

If someone wanted to know what was in the files, this theft provides a much faster way of learning.

It also has the side-effect of tossing just a tiny bit more paranoia into the Kerry camp. Who knows who has what information now? It's out there, roaming free in the world, and noone knows what it is.

[Sabertooth]

The files are not original with Nicosia. In theory, anyone could obtain them under the FOIA. What exactly does this crime accomplish except cover Nicosia's butt?

See my #10.

Files were taken that Nicosia never read, therefore he won't know if he's gotten them back from the FBI, whenever it is that he happens to get them back.