More in GOP 'back away' from party line on CIA Investigation

[darknemus]

(Found a link to the actual article.. yay)

Original article here : http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/News/Nation/FE2453B43E9BE45086256DB4005A997A?OpenDocument&Headline=Some+in+GOP+back+away+from+party+line+on+leak+investigation++&highlight=2%2Crepublican%2Cspecial%2Cprosecutor

WASHINGTON - The controversy over the leak of the identity of a CIA operative intensified Thursday, as Democrats spoke of "a cancer in this administration" in terms reminiscent of Watergate, and Republicans accused their foes of "political opportunism."

Meanwhile, at least one Republican congressional committee chairman was laying the groundwork for a potential separate investigation by his panel. And sources at the Justice Department said the agency would likely broaden its inquiry beyond the White House, to include the State and Defense departments.

(snip)

Rep. Dan Burton, R-Ind., a vociferous supporter of Bush, said that while Ashcroft is "a very honest person" and the Democrats were trying to score political points, it might make sense for the White House to look "very closely" at appointing an independent counsel.

(snip)

"The breach is terrible. We've got to find out who did it," said Sen. Jim Talent, R-Mo., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a deputy GOP whip. "I don't know why they waited. That ought to be part of the investigation. It's the sort of thing that should have set alarm bells off as soon as they heard it."

(snip)

-darknemus

[KCDem]

1. No-Talent said that?

Hm, guess he isn't the spawn of Satan like I thought.

Or, maybe he's just posturing. :shrug:

[darknemus]

2. I think this is an indication that the Repubs are starting to worry..

Mostly about their own ability to be re-elected in their districts. The last thing they need are charges of hipocracy (which would be true, of course) leveled against them in the court of public opinion. Some of this might be posturing, but its my guess that more of this will be coming down the pike in the next couple of weeks. Heck, perhaps the CIA is making some phone calls to people.. "Unless you want certain pictures of you with Mistress Helga to be released, Mr. Senator.. you might want to rethink your position on this issue" - Isn't poltics fun?

-darknemus

[montanacowboy]

4. Before you throw any boquets

their way, consider who they might appoint as Independent Counsel - it could very well be someone just like Ken Starr ..and then what?

[darknemus]

5. I dont think they'd be able to get away with that, politically.

Especially if there is the true chance of something along the lines of Impeachment proceedings or removal from office for high-level staffers because of this. Remember - no matter what party affiliation these guys have - for MOST of them, it comes down to, truly, survival of the fittest. If they see the administration floundering under these accusations, expect them to turn faster than the pages from a pop-up book Chimp is reading.

-darknemus

[Ramsey]

3. Glad to see this

Glad to see Bush may get some resistance from both sides. Maybe there area few Republicans with scruples still out there. But even if they are just worried about being tainted by association with the Bush Cabal as it starts to go down, it's still good to see.

[darknemus]

6. Like I said above..

Just give it time. They can only rearrange the Titanic's deck chairs so often before they decide they'd rather take their chances in the icy depths below.

-darknemus