Sen. Domenici Admits Call (to US Attorney), Denies Pressure

[Doondoo]

Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., confirmed Saturday that he telephoned then-U.S. Attorney David Iglesias before last November's election to inquire about the status of a public corruption investigation. But at no point, according to a statement released to the Journal by the state's senior senator, did he threaten Iglesias or recommend that he take any legal action.

"In retrospect, I regret making that call and I apologize," Domenici said.

Domenici said he had recommended Iglesias be replaced — but he said that happened several months before he called to inquire about the investigation into alleged kickbacks and padded contracts in the construction of the Metropolitan Court Complex and other projects.

.......

"My frustration with the U.S. Attorney's Office mounted as we tried to get more resources for it, but public accounts indicated an inability within the office to move more quickly on cases," Domenici said in his statement.


http://www.abqjournal.com/news/state/543374nm03-04-07.htm

[yardwork]

1. mm-hm

Just a phone call - no intimidation - "regrets" making the phone call.

[MasonJar]

9. Everyone believes him of course. n/t

[speedoo]

2. Lying coward. Cracks me up when these rethugs get caught...

and try to cover their sorry asses. :puke:

[Kagemusha]

3. So let me get this straight. I'm a US senator, I call up a US Attorney...

And I ask, "Hey, buddy. How's that corruption investigation into that Democrat going? You know the one. Is that coming along? Are you going to be taking any action, like, SOON?"

No, no pressure at all, just an innocent inquiry, right? ...Right?

[youngdem]

13. Yep.... And when the US atty says it's gonna be after the election

before an indictment, he hangs up on him.


No implied threat there.

[cal04]

4. Domenici: "I Regret Making That Call and I Apologize"

A statement just out from Sen. Pete Domenici's (R-NM) office:

I take this opportunity to comment directly on media statements by former U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico, David Iglesias.

Since my knowledge of his remarks stems only from a variety of media accounts, I have hesitated to respond. Nevertheless, in light of substantial public interest, I have decided to comment.

I called Mr. Iglesias late last year. My call had been preceded by months of extensive media reports about acknowledged investigations into courthouse construction, including public comments from the FBI that it had completed its work months earlier, and a growing number of inquiries from constituents. I asked Mr. Iglesias if he could tell me what was going on in that investigation and give me an idea of what timeframe we were looking at. It was a very brief conversation, which concluded when I was told that the courthouse investigation would be continuing for a lengthy period.

In retrospect, I regret making that call and I apologize. However, at no time in that conversation or any other conversation with Mr. Iglesias did I ever tell him what course of action I thought he should take on any legal matter. I have never pressured him nor threatened him in any way.

more
http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/002671.php

[rodeodance]

5. i tend to not believe these type people anymore.

[Supersedeas]

6. This is FRIGGIN huge -- and money says the GOP/Media establishment does not touch it at all!!!

[MilesColtrane]

7. Domenici's version of "inquiring about the status" of the case...

"I want indictments before the election or you'll be fired. Then we'll go after your whole f*@%ing family."

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

8. *cough* HORSESHIT *cough*

:eyes:

[yellowcanine]

10. Domenici is in deep doo doo. Woundn't surprise me if he suddenly realises he needs to be

spending more time with his family so he will not be running again.

[Edweird]

11. There was no threats....

I merely inquired as to the health of his family and shared with him my deepest wishes that nothing untoward should befall his wife and children.......
He probably threatened his job right off the bat. Play ball or hit the road. What a bunch of dirtbags.

[radfringe]

12. Domenici is in DAMAGE CONTROL MODE

oops I'm sorry I made the phone call? and that makes it all better?

Indeed, in 2004 and 2005 my staff and I expressed my frustration with the U.S. Attorney's office to the Justice Department and asked the Department to see if the New Mexico U.S. Attorney's office needed more help, including perhaps an infusion of professionals from other districts.

gee -- he was so concerned that he was just trying to be helpful... yeah right

[MilesColtrane]

14. "an infusion of professionals from other districts."

"Indeed, in 2004 and 2005 my staff and I expressed my frustration with the U.S. Attorney's office to the Justice Department and asked the Department to see if the New Mexico U.S. Attorney's office needed more help, including perhaps an infusion of professionals from other districts."

Let me guess. Those professionals were named Gaspipe Vinny and Little Joey.

[RedEarth]

15. Impeach this sorry hack

[maddezmom]

16. Called Gonzo 4x to complain

WASHINGTON - The Justice Department said Monday that Republican Sen. Pete Domenici of New Mexico called Attorney General Alberto Gonzales four times to complain about a U.S. attorney who claims he was fired for not rushing a corruption probe.


Domenici acknowledged Sunday that he contacted the prosecutor, U.S. attorney David Iglesias, in October 2006 to ask about his investigation into an alleged Democratic kickback scheme. But Domenici insists he never pressured or threatened Iglesias, though he said he had long sought Iglesias' ouster.

On Monday, Justice officials said that Domenici had called Gonzales on three occasions - September 2005, as well as in January and April 2006 - to question whether Iglesias was "up to the job."

In the first week of October 2006, Domenici then made another "similar and very brief call about the U.S. attorney's performance," said Justice spokesman Brian Roehrkasse.


more: http://www.examiner.com/a-600490~Senator_Complained_About_Fired_Attorney.html

[librechik]

17. I'm curious--did they ever go forward in NM with prosecuting this alleged Dem scumbag?

Don't you think we would have heard something by now?

Of course, maybe it didn't matter anymore after the election--especially since RePukkkes don't give a shit about law and order, just "winning" elections.

[maddezmom]

19. I can't find anything on the corruption probe

granted I haven't done a ton of searching, but there isn't anything in the current articles.

[TygrBright]

18. Domenici is taking the fall for that skanky ho Heather Wilson.

Domenici has already announced he won't be running for another term. So he's in the barrel for all the heat, and is drawing fire that might otherwise focus on that malign stick insect Wilson.

I really, really, REALLY would like to see NM Dems come up with a credible threat to take her out.

regretfully,
Bright