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Siegelman: McCain Should Compel Rove To Testify
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Siegelman: McCain Should Compel Rove To Testify
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July 18, 2008 10:00 AM
Read More: Don Siegelman, John McCain, Karl Rove, Mccain Judiciary, McCain Rove, Mccain Rove Adviser, Mccain Rove Judiciary, Rove Testimony, Siegelman McCain, Siegelman Rove, Siegelman Rove Trial, Politics News
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On Friday, former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman called on John McCain to compel his informal adviser Karl Rove to testify before Congress, and to remove Rove from any and all campaign capacities.
"Sen. McCain should distance himself from Karl Rove," said Siegelman. "And I think it is important and a smart political move [for him] to call on Rove to go and obey the law and to show up before the Judiciary Committee, to put his hand on the Bible, and to try to tell the truth - or at least plead the fifth."
Siegelman, whose controversial trial for corruption contained many Rove fingerprints, would not go so far as to claim that by employing Rove as a consultant, McCain was sullying his own good-government credentials. "That's a question that is left to the people and the electorate and they will have an opportunity to express themselves in November," he said.
But he argued that it was absolutely vital that the presumptive Republican nominee -- who, according to published reports, has received money from and privately consulted with Rove -- insist that the former Bush confidante respect Congress' investigative prerogatives. Barack Obama, he added, should do the same.
"I would like to see Senator Obama speak out on this issue and call on Congress to hold Rove in contempt because no man is above the law," he said. "And I think its set a terrible example going forward if we do not hold Rove accountable."
Siegelman's charges were laid out in an interview with the Huffington Post at the Netroots Nation conference in Austin, Texas. He promised to elaborate on the issue during a panel discussion later on Friday.
The remarks came just days after Rove refused to testify in front of the House Judiciary Committee about his involvement on the former governor's dubious prosecution on corruption charges. Rove, who witnesses say helped orchestrate Siegelman's conviction, has ignored a subpoena to appear before the Committee, and is expected to face contempt charges in the coming days.
Rove has argued that he is not required to testify before Congress due to executive privilege, which, he says, allows the president to receive political advise without the fear that it might one day be made public.
"It is ironic that Rove is now claiming executive privilege in saying he cannot be forced or compelled to testify on things he advised the president on," said Siegelman. "Well, is he now claiming that he did advise the president on my prosecution?"
Siegelman was sentenced to more than seven years in prison in 2006 under a bribery conviction for allegedly providing a state appointed medical position in exchange for funds to help a education-lottery program. Months ago, a Republican campaign volunteer issued sworn testimony that she overheard a phone conversation suggesting Rove was linked to his case. Other matters - ranging from what appeared to be politically driven prosecution, flimsy evidence and highly unusual (if not legally unethical) court proceedings - cast doubt on the case. And in late March 2008, Siegelman was released from prison on bond pending his appeal. His trip to Netroots Nation was the first outside of Alabama.
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- + darthdarcy See Profile I'm a Fan of darthdarcy
There is more to this than just Rove being in Contempt of Congress which he clearly is and his claim to executive immunity is farcical as he himself claims he never discussed this with the President and that only pertains to certain matters such as National Security among some limited others..
As Alexander Hamilton warned us in Federalist 78 when the Judicial Branch unites with either other Equal Branch that will be the death of our democracy...and the Federalist Society has joined wit it's Unitary Dictator..
Well due to the infestation of our Justice Dept. as well as the Federal Court system including what was our Supreme Court by the Federalist Society, we are seeing the break down of our system of governance as designed by our Founding Fathers with it's check and balances...
It is in reality a form of coup d'etat we are witnessing and the Federalist Society is the key element to this conspiracy to over throw our very system of government...
Rove is a prime surrogate of this vile cabal of corrupt lawyers and disingenuous corrupted Judges which is why he fears nothing from Congress as Rove himself is aware of the trap and block the Federalist Society has thrown the obstruction of Justice they have designed before our Congress the people's branch thus also We the American People...
The Federalist Society is key in all of this unprecedented arrogance and flaunting of the Rule of Law...
I signed the petition...
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 04:42 PM on 07/18/2008
- + New syllepsis See Profile I'm a Fan of syllepsis
Our form of Government is unrecognizable as any sanctioned by the Constitution, that is for sure.
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 06:37 PM on 07/18/2008
- + CrittersRTasty See Profile I'm a Fan of CrittersRTasty
Siegelman should really think about just shutting up and getting back in his cell....
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 04:41 PM on 07/18/2008
- + YankeeCanuck See Profile I'm a Fan of YankeeCanuck
For what? Some manufactured charges?
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 06:26 PM on 07/18/2008
- + bitabingbitabangbitaboom See Profile I'm a Fan of bitabingbitabangbitaboom
Stop wasting Bandwidth..................................McCain Should Compel Rove To REBOOT
.
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 03:43 PM on 07/18/2008
- + TimmySlagle See Profile I'm a Fan of TimmySlagle
"It is ironic that Rove is now claiming executive privilege"
What is more "ironic" is that a corrupt politician, and convicted criminal, has the audacity to point his finger at anyone.
Even more so, that anybody would even listen to his accusations. Here's a tip:
Criminals lie.
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 03:32 PM on 07/18/2008
- + CrazyDogLady See Profile I'm a Fan of CrazyDogLady
Given the fact that he fled the country...oops, I meant had a previously planned trip out of the country that prevented him from appearing before the Judiciary Committee...
Oh where in the world is Turdblossom?
Let's all Twitter Track: Turdblossom...and see if we can keep up with the sightings of the roving mass..
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 03:07 PM on 07/18/2008
- + demfriend See Profile I'm a Fan of demfriend
No one s going to get Rove to testify because it will get Rove jail time and he knows that a whole lot of heads would roll if he told the real truth about what happened with a whole lot of events he had a hand in while in the white house. We already think we know a lot about what went on and we suspect a whole lot more but until he conirms anything we do not have proof or his acceptance of guilt. He should have been put in jail already for refusing to go to congress and even invoke the 5th or anything. I am not happy with the leadership in congress as I believe Pelosi and reid have failed their committment to us.
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 03:06 PM on 07/18/2008
- + danoj See Profile I'm a Fan of danoj
Rove has offered testimony 5 different times. He offered to testify to members of congress, and he has offered a written deposition several times. They just want to haul the guy infront of the 3 ring circus that is the congress to score some political points. I don't know why any self respecting individual would want to talk to those ass clowns. All it is for is they can't solve squat so look over here at the thing that has been rehashed 100 times over. It's a horse and pony show for distraction; if it were about justice every damn one of them would be without a job.
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 04:13 PM on 07/18/2008
- + New nk007 See Profile I'm a Fan of nk007
danoj
You people are such hypocrites! How come Clinton's aids were paraded before congress to testify under oath for minor allegations? I suppose you are not bothered by a double standard: Congress under Republicans conducted legitimate non-political investigations, while Congress under the Democrats is a "3 ring circus" to "score some political points." Why should Rove be treated differently from other witness that have to testify under oath? This is an investigation to determine if crimes were committed. It is not just a request for information. Excuse me, but are we living in a country where Congress is no longer coequal branch of the government? I guess Bush has achieved his wish of wanting to be a dictator and people like you have no problem with that.
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 07:05 PM on 07/18/2008
- + YankeeCanuck See Profile I'm a Fan of YankeeCanuck
Where did you get your education, danoj? You are really good at parroting and your vocabulary is stunning!
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 06:29 PM on 07/18/2008
- + BetterDeadthanRedState See Profile I'm a Fan of BetterDeadthanRedState
Liar. He has not offered to "testify" he has offered to speak not under oath and without a transcript.
I can't imagine why anyone would want those stipulations unless they were planning to lie.
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 05:12 PM on 07/18/2008
- + Grit See Profile I'm a Fan of Grit
Wow you almost got Rove's text down word for word. And after all Rove is such a special person he should be allowed to do it on HIS terms. I mean he would never lie would he. He wants to tell all as long as he doesn't have to worry about telling the truth. But I have to commend you on getting the Fox, Rove, Republican by line on this down so well.
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 04:35 PM on 07/18/2008
- + ApolloniaCreed See Profile I'm a Fan of ApolloniaCreed
Why that's a splendid idea... McCain?
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 03:05 PM on 07/18/2008
- + woodguru See Profile I'm a Fan of woodguru
We are going to have to start thinking outside the republican and democrat boxes, stereotypes are not going to hold up.
There is a bad democratic faction that is with the worst of the republican big business interests, it is the good politicians on both sides of the fence who want good government policies that we need to identify and support.
The next term is going to see a huge power struggle that is going to be played with disruptive and undermining tactics on everything those who want to fix the mess that has been made try to do.
The real wild card here will be the faith voters who fall into whatever line republicans want to dish out, there are some who even buy into the suggestion that this mess is the result of democrats having control of the house for long enough to make this mess.
We are going to be forced to deal with getting to the bottom of quite an array of monetary malfeasances as well as illegal actions and this would be far more easy to do in the wake of both Bush and Cheney being impeached and/or criminally prosecuted. If we let bush go into a mode of overall pardons for theft and embezzlement on every issue those involved want immunity on as well as applying the title of secrecy on the grounds of being a "threat to national security" we will never get to the bottom of anything.
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 02:44 PM on 07/18/2008
- + Lemeritus See Profile I'm a Fan of Lemeritus
http://www.progressivepatriotsfund.com/
http://www.pacforachange.com/
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 03:19 PM on 07/18/2008
- + PATina See Profile I'm a Fan of PATina
No... Congress should just do its job and ARREST THAT MAN !!!!!!!
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 02:35 PM on 07/18/2008
- + rwe See Profile I'm a Fan of rwe
Siegleman is still a convicted felon... and a corrupt official ... see the
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 02:31 PM on 07/18/2008
- + YankeeCanuck See Profile I'm a Fan of YankeeCanuck
Right, see the trumped-up charges!
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 06:32 PM on 07/18/2008
- + robiform See Profile I'm a Fan of robiform
I'm guessing that T. Boone Pickens stopped payment on your paycheck, since you couldn't complete the sentence in your inane comment!
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 04:35 PM on 07/18/2008
- + drumz See Profile I'm a Fan of drumz
dream on bu$h appeaser
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 03:04 PM on 07/18/2008
- + barackobama4prez See Profile I'm a Fan of barackobama4prez
Gramps can't compel anyone to do anything.
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 02:25 PM on 07/18/2008
- + LeftLeanWing See Profile I'm a Fan of LeftLeanWing
M cC ain should compel R ove to put on a grass skirt and perform as an Albino hippo in The Lion Ki ng.
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 02:12 PM on 07/18/2008
- + sugarmoes See Profile I'm a Fan of sugarmoes
hee hee
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 04:01 PM on 07/18/2008
- + patriotic008 See Profile I'm a Fan of patriotic008
will never happen Mc Lame doesn't have the cahunas to stand up to the Rethuglican elite
Lock Ro ve's f a t a$ up
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 02:11 PM on 07/18/2008
- + LeftLeanWing See Profile I'm a Fan of LeftLeanWing
Ro ve's f a t a$ in jail , ummmm, His jailhouse name would would be Peaches Applebottom. He'd leave walking like a hula-hoop.
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 03:43 PM on 07/18/2008
- + southafrica4obama See Profile I'm a Fan of southafrica4obama
wooh, catch 22
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 02:09 PM on 07/18/2008
- + ahornick See Profile I'm a Fan of ahornick
McCain won't press Rove to respect Congress and that will show a few more folks that he will be the same as Bush if elected. It has the potential to be his biggest campaign gaffe yet.
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 01:51 PM on 07/18/2008
- + Ladyrantsalot See Profile I'm a Fan of Ladyrantsalot
Tyranny.
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 01:24 PM on 07/18/2008
- + TexasDem0 See Profile I'm a Fan of TexasDem0
The innocent are convicted in kangaroo courts and sent to prison.
The guilty are treated as celebrities even while they openly mock the law without consequence.
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 01:01 PM on 07/18/2008
- + IowaKid See Profile I'm a Fan of IowaKid
amen. Welll said
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 03:31 PM on 07/18/2008
- + hopeless277 See Profile I'm a Fan of hopeless277
The laws of the U.S. no longer apply to Republicans. That is a FACT. And there is no force on earth that is willing to change it. It will take 2 million people in DC to physically throw these people out of government. The Democrats included. Our government has now become our enemy.
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 12:49 PM on 07/18/2008
- + KSH See Profile I'm a Fan of KSH
Siegelman I hope you can convince those scary Dems to do something!
I am there with you!
Auburn University Class of 2006
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 12:41 PM on 07/18/2008
- + abouttime See Profile I'm a Fan of abouttime
"Equal protection under the law" is the fundamental doctrine of liberty - is it not?
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 12:39 PM on 07/18/2008
- + onegandolf1 See Profile I'm a Fan of onegandolf1
You've been asleep, haven't you Rip?
That was before we did away with it with the new FIAS Law.
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 03:40 PM on 07/18/2008
- + flatus See Profile I'm a Fan of flatus
You would think that whenever a nominee for Attorney General sits before Congress that one of the primary questions asked of that candidate would be, "Will you at all times enforce Congressional subpeonas?". Thanks to the votes of Dems Schumer and Boxer, Mukasy is now busy doing nothing about it. How's that for shooting yourselves in the foot, eh Congress?
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 12:26 PM on 07/18/2008
- + Eoin45 See Profile I'm a Fan of Eoin45
I'm pretty sure it was Schumer and Feinstein not Boxer that gave us Mukasy.
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 01:46 PM on 07/18/2008
- + knighthowl See Profile I'm a Fan of knighthowl
Perhaps that question should have been asked, but we usually assume that the attorney general will enforce the law. If a nominee must be asked about Congressional subpoenas, then he must be asked about every single other law on the books.
Since Mukasey refuses to enforce the law, he should be impeached. He is near the end of a long line of officials who warrant impeachment, but we need to start somewhere.
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 01:06 PM on 07/18/2008
- + Lemeritus See Profile I'm a Fan of Lemeritus
Interesting that you should bring up the impeachment of Mukasey.
The very case that tested Congress' authority to issue subpoenas and warrants (McGrain v. Daugherty, 1927) concerned numerous allegations that the U.S. Justice Department was being mismanaged by its administrator, Harry Daugherty, the Attorney General of the United States. The case revolved around Daugherty's brother, who refused to comply with a subpoena to testify and who was held on warrant.
The Court found that, while the power to investigate was not explicitly given to Congress by the Constitution, it was traditionally recognized as implicit in the legislative function since it is a means to obtain necessary information. Further, it concluded that the Senate acted within its powers when it authorized a committee to investigate Daugherty and that the subpoena was a means to perform a legislative function since the purpose of the inquiry was to determine whether the attorney general and the Department of Justice"subjects of congressional regulations and appropriations"were properly performing their duties.
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 01:29 PM on 07/18/2008
- + tinarm See Profile I'm a Fan of tinarm
Seiglman is right, but the McCain campaign can't even keep the RNC, Lobbyist, or his own staff in check. How's he going to have any influence over Rove? Please, this administration had 6 years of the justice dep. doing what ever they wanted as well as the republican senate. Now they just stall everything. I'm looking forward to the day when the entire truth comes out. It won't be anytime soon, but when it does it will probably make Nixon look good.
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 12:18 PM on 07/18/2008
- + edwcorey See Profile I'm a Fan of edwcorey
Odd, isn't it, that patriotic religious conservatives like Bush, Cheney and Rove don't dare defend their actions under oath or in public, yet are so anxious to pry into the lives of American citizens, their conversations, and what books they read? You would think that, for all they've done for America, they would be proud to accommodate the people by answering their questions. Of course, when Bush et al., talk about serving the people, their idea is to toss them up like a tennis ball and smash them with their "racket." Speaking of which, why not haul the bunch of them in on RICO violations?
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 12:18 PM on 07/18/2008
- + meanguy See Profile I'm a Fan of meanguy
shouldn't siegelman be directing this to the HOUSE judiciary committee CHAIRMAN, mr conyers? has anyone told him that obama and mccain are SENATORS?
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 12:17 PM on 07/18/2008
- + bdl0715 See Profile I'm a Fan of bdl0715
Can Bush invoke Executive Privilege once President Obama takes office? I say lif they can't get cooperation now, then wait until the Obama administration takes office, then appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the whole mess and let the indictments flow.
Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 12:15 PM on 07/18/2008
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