Exclusive: Bush Picks a Replacement for Harriet Miers

[CatWoman]

In a signal that he could be open to working more closely with congressional Democrats rather than stonewalling, President Bush plans to name the widely respected Republican lawyer Fred F. Fielding as White House counsel this week, party sources tell TIME. Fielding, who held the same position under President Ronald Reagan, will succeed the President's friend Harriet Miers, who last week announced her resignation, effective Jan. 31. An official who has been briefed on the impending announcement, which could come as soon as Tuesday, called Fielding "the ultimate Washington lawyer-insider — he's the man to see."

"He's the guy who helps you defend your position, stick to your principles, but tries to work out a reasonable compromise," the official said. "He's highly partisan, but he's highly regarded by everyone." The idea came from Chief of Staff Josh Bolten, and Administration officials said they regarded it as a savvy choice. The selection of Fielding, a member of the 9/11 commission from 2002 to 2004, comes as the White House is gearing up for a multitude of investigations — and likely subpoenas — from Democrats, who took control of both chambers of Congress last week with a vow to pursue aggressive oversight and deny the White House blank checks for Iraq or anything else.

Fielding was persuaded to leave his lucrative position as a senior partner in the Washington law firm of Wiley, Rein & Fielding with "an appeal to patriotism" and an assurance that he would not just be the President's lawyer but would be deeply involved in Congressional strategy and negotiations, the official said. Fielding was Counsel to President Reagan from 1981 to 1986, deputy White House counsel from 1972 to 1974 and associate White House counsel from 1970 to 1972. He was Clearance Counsel for the Bush-Cheney Presidential Transition in 2000 and 2001, and has degrees from Gettysburg College and University of Virginia School of Law.

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1575066,00.html

[fooj]

1. A member of the 9-11 Commission, eh?

Hmmmmmmmmm...

[Avalux]

2. Just another "highly partisan" crony hack.

Who pursuaded him to leave his lucrative position? What on earth was said to the man that was "an appeal to patriotism"? :rofl:

[spanone]

3. Brought in to negotiate pardons for the Bush* Crime Family.

[bdamomma]

4. oh geez, this guy was counsel to Reagan, why am I not surprised

boy, nothing like digging them up from the past. one of his daddy's friends perhaps?

[CatWoman]

5. they recyle more than the average plastic, paper, and can consumer

:puke:

[Hoosier Dem]

6. Fielding?? Wasn't he the slimy DA on "Night Court"??

Then no wonder Dumbya picked him. :silly: