Posted on 07/08/2007 9:47:45 AM PDT by rface
Washington, DC - The lawyer for former White House political director Sara Taylor -- who has been subpoenaed to testify before the senate this week about the firing of several U.S. attorneys -- sent a letter to Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vermont, asking that she not be used as "the focus of the constitutional struggle."
The former White House staffer is asking for compassion from the Senate Judiciary Committee in what may be another constitutional standoff between the legislative and executive branches, while the committee's Democratic chairman is sharpening his words.
"In our view, it is unfair to Ms. Taylor that this constitutional struggle might be played out with her as the object of an unseemly tug of war," wrote lawyer Neil Eggleston. He said that Taylor has done nothing wrong and would testify "without hesitation" if not for an expected order from the White House -- where she worked until six weeks ago -- that she not comply the subpoena.
Eggleston urged senators to focus any punitive action against the White House, not his client. He said Taylor was caught in a "monumental clash between the executive and legislative branches of government" that could ultimately be decided in the courts.
Sen. Leahy continued to press for Taylor's testimony and he fired away at the White House for what he called interference on the committee's investigation. "I hope the White House stops this stonewalling and accepts my offer to negotiate a workable solution to the Committee's oversight requests," he said in a written statement.
White House has publicly announced it would assert executive privilege in the case, directing Taylor and former White House counsel Harriet Miers, who also was subpoenaed, not to comply with the Senate's subpoenas.
White House spokeswoman Jeanie Mamo issued a response Saturday to Leahy. "Senator Leahy is seeking testimony related to Sara Taylor's duties as an aide to the President. The President is entitled to candid, confidential advice from his aides without the threat of compelled testimony from Congress," Mamo said.
Sorry, you're not a consitutionally-protected grievance-class of legal/illegal citizen.
Just another attempt by RATS to swing the 2008 election.
Guy is scum.
From an article in the NYT:
“The lawyer for a former White House aide told lawmakers Saturday that he expected the Bush administration to try to block the aide from testifying about the dismissals of 93 United States attorneys.”
94????????
She should appear and simply say that US Attorneys serve at the pleasure of the President and know, when they take the job, that they can be replaced at any time for any reason whatsoever, or no reason at all. And she should respond to EVERY question with that same answer. It is truthful, and answers the question, no matter how silly the question may be; it is always the correct answer.
She and all Bush administration officials should plead the 5th to every question. If she testifies a single lapse in recollection will result in an indictment ala Scooter Libby.
I think you hit a home run with your suggestion of what she should say and do.
I think they got Clinton’s firings mixed up with Bush. The President fired 8 US attorneys.
At long last, Sen Leahy, have you no decency?
Then it should be those firings she should testify about.
Yeah, someone doesn’t know their facts. It was the Clintons with 93 firings.
I know Sara. She’s basically a good kid. Sorry to see her get sucked into this cynical, meaningless Dem political stunt.
Nothing worse than those who use their governmental power to abuse and harrass individuals.
I agree.
Then what should she be scared of??? There is NOTHING she can say about any criminal act because there wasn't one...And futhermore she should in no way be intimidated by a gov't OF the people, FOR the people and BY the people!
Just tell them all to go pound sound!!
Sara Taylor is bright eyed and bushy tailed. She’ll land on her feet. If I was a Senator I’d sure help out the little cutie
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