http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2007-03-26-poll-bush-aides_N.htmPoll backs subpoenas of Bush aides
By Susan Page, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — Americans overwhelmingly support a congressional investigation into White House involvement in the firing of eight U.S. attorneys, and they say President Bush and his aides should answer questions about it without invoking executive privilege.
In a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll taken Friday-Sunday, respondents said by nearly 3-to-1 that Congress should issue subpoenas to force White House officials to testify.
There is skepticism about the motives of both the administration and congressional Democrats:
FIFTH AMENDMENT: Gonzales aide invoking right to avoid incrimination
•By 53%-26%, respondents say the U.S. attorneys were dismissed primarily for political reasons, not because they weren't doing their jobs well — as Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has said.
•By 59%-30%, they say Democrats are investigating the dismissals mostly for political advantage, not because of ethical concerns.
Even so, the findings underscore the president's risks. The White House last week offered to allow adviser Karl Rove and other aides to answer questions — but only in private, not under oath, and without a transcript being prepared.
The Senate and House judiciary committees have authorized subpoenas.
The poll finds little sympathy for the administration's claim that White House aides shouldn't have to testify to ensure that a president gets candid advice. By 68%-26%, those surveyed say the president should drop the claim of executive privilege in this case.