Hmmmm?? I don't know. But .. why would they be "protected" - they didn't "whistle blow" anything. THEY LIED THROUGH THEIR TEETH.
Wilson even wrote in his book that his wife didn't have anything to do with his going to Niger. THAT IS A BOLD-FACED LIE!! And .. Wilson lied again when he claimed that Cheney's office sent him; and that he gave Cheney a "written report" - another lie. And .. the claim of Cheney sending Wilson to Niger was the original reason Libby called Miller - to tell her Cheney did not send Wilson. The repubs were also telling the media who ask that they should be careful of the Wilsons because THEY WERE LYING. Rove didn't say that exactly, he just told the media people they shouldn't give credence to what Wilson was saying.
As usual, did the media get mad because we knew Wilson was lying ..?? I don't know .. but I do not believe Rove and Libby did anything wrong - other than try to play nice with the media - WHICH NEVER WORKS.