Richardson calls pressure by republicans prior to firing of US Attorney Iglesias "inappropriate"

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Wilson admits she called Iglesias
Constituent's concern prompted conversation

By James W. Brosnan
Tuesday, March 6, 2007


WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson today ended six days of silence about the firing of former U.S. Attorney David Iglesias, just hours before he was set to testify in Congress, saying she too called him at the request of a constituent.

Wilson's statement, released late Monday, mirrored one by Sen. Pete Domenici on Saturday. Both Albuquerque Republicans acknowledged they were the unnamed members of Congress who Iglesias said called him in the run-up to the Nov. 7 elections, but both denied they pressured him in any way regarding pending investigations.

Iglesias' firing has fired up Democrats in New Mexico. Matt Farrauto, executive director of the New Mexico Democratic Party, said the "U.S. attorney scandal" has prompted Democrats "to saddle up for another battle with the remaining elements of the corrupted Republican Congress."

"Congresswoman Wilson was lucky last election, able to survive with only her nose above the rising tides of change, but this abuse of political power gives voters one more reason to band together as Democrats and oust her in 2008," he said.

Gov. Bill Richardson - who is seeking the Democratic presidential nomination - said the calls Iglesias received should be investigated.

"I'm very troubled by it. I think was a good law enforcement official, and it was inappropriate for political leaders to call and pressure him, totally inappropriate. And it should be thoroughly investigated," the governor said.

http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2007/mar/06/wilson-admits-she-called-iglesias/

[Deep13]

1. Dear Ds:

Stop saying "inappropriate," "questionable" and "misleading."

The correct terms are "reprehensible," "illegal" and "lies."

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5. what a petty criticism. He's said much more than what was quoted in this article

When the investigation is complete Richardson will have even more to say, but to pretend that there's some timidity here is just hypercritical.

When Schumer's committee is done with these charges there will be an accounting. Until then, it's good to know that Bill Richardson is involved and commenting. He's a bulldog in his state, and to pretend that he's afraid of being direct is a complete misrepresentation of the man. He deserves credit, not nitpicking.

[Deep13]

6. Not directed at him per se.

The Ds have been soft-peddling R abuses for six years.

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8. They had no real committee power. Also, I've witnessed a ton of testimony

in committee which republicans blocked from seeing the light of day, much less enacted.

"Melanie Sloan, CREW's executive director, stated, "Reprehensibly, Rep. Wilson attempted to influence the criminal justice process for partisan political gain and then tried to hide her misconduct from public scrutiny." Sloan continued, "Now that Rep. Wilson has finally come clean, it is time for the newly reconstituted House ethics committee to prove it is not merely a paper tiger and take swift action. Anything less undermines our criminal justice system."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/20070306/pl_usnw/crew_requests_investigation_into_rep__wilson

[madokie]

2. I sure do like Gov. Bill Richardson

somehow I am always in agreement with him.

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9. I have a few disagreements with him

If I thought for a moment that he was the one who would be the determiner of the issues I disagree with him on, I'd drop him in a heartbeat.

As it is, though, I have a great deal of confidence that he shares the bulk of my concerns and has the integrity and character to champion them into action. I had the same experience with Kerry. It is uncanny how my views and his mesh at times.

[madokie]

10. You bet, it it were between the Gov. and Al there would be no question as who I would go with

if it was between the Gov. and a/any republican still no question as who I would support. I think Governor Richardson would make a good Secretary of State.

[AndyA]

3. So many things the Republicans do and say are inappropriate...

there isn't enough bandwidth to list them all.

The conservatives are well overdue for an overhaul. They are out of control.

[Horse with no Name]

4. So what can he do?

As Governor, can he instigate a state inquiry to have them impeached or censured?
I'm curious because I don't know the scope of the New Mexico Governor--in Texas, the Governor is weak.

[bigtree]

7. well, nothing more overt than insisting the investigation go forward

a forgone prospect since CREW is asking the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to investigate. She violated House rules and can be held to account. Richardson can use his current visibility to elevate and ensure the process goes forward.