Fired U.S. Attorney Felt "Leaned On"

Dismissed Federal Prosecutor Tells Senate Committee He Was Sickened By Senator's Phone Call

(CBS/AP)  A fired federal prosecutor told a Senate committee Tuesday that he felt "leaned on" and sickened as Republican Sen. Pete Domenici hung up on him in disgust last fall when told that indictments in a corruption case against Democrats would not be issued before the fall elections.

"He said, 'Are these going to be filed before November?'" former federal prosecutor David Iglesias, one of eight U.S. attorneys summarily fired in recent months, told the panel. "I said I didn't think so. And to which he replied, 'I'm very sorry to hear that.' And then the line went dead."

The Bush administration also applied a heavy hand after the firings of eight prosecutors became public and some of the dismissed U.S. attorneys had been quoted in media, according to one of those ousted, Bud Cummins of Arkansas.

Cummins said in an e-mail released by the Senate Judiciary Committee that Mike Elston, chief of staff to Deputy Attorney General Paul McNulty, had called and expressed his displeasure that the fired prosecutors talked to reporters about their dismissals.

"If they (DOJ) feel like any of us intend to continue to offer quotes to the press, or organize behind the scenes congressional pressure, then they feel forced to somehow pull their gloves off and offer public criticisms to defend their actions more fully," Cummins said in the e-mail to five other fired prosecutors.

Iglesias said he received the call at home on Oct. 26 or 27 and that it lasted two minutes, "tops."

"I felt leaned on. I felt pressured to get these matters moving," Iglesias testified.

Asked by Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., whether such a call was unusual in Iglesias' experience, the former prosecutor answered, "Unprecedented."

Six of eight prosecutors fired by the Department of Justice in recent months were expected to appear before House and Senate panels — all six under subpoena before the House, four voluntarily in the Senate. Justice officials have said most of the eight were dismissed for performance-related issues, an allegation those testifying staunchly denied.

Whether it's Libby or Enron, the nation's 94 U.S. attorneys are on the front lines in prosecuting federal crimes. As political appointees, they typically serve as long as the president who named them, CBS News correspondent Sharyl Attkisson reports.

Cummins' e-mail also shed light on the way some of those who were fired saw the dismissals. If they voluntarily agreed to testify before Congress, "they would see that as a major escalation of the conflict meriting some kind of unspecified form of retaliation," Cummins wrote in the Feb. 20 e-mail.

Justice Department spokesman Brian Roehrkasse denied that Elston ever had any conversations with the U.S. attorneys about "what they should or should not say to the press."

"No conversation like that ever happened," Roehrkasse said.

Democrats accuse the Bush administration of firing the prosecutors to make room for Republican allies and using a new provision of the Patriot Act to install new U.S. attorneys without going through the Senate confirmation process.

"These charges are dangerous, baseless and irresponsible. This administration has never removed a United States attorney to retaliate against them or interfere with or inappropriately influence a public corruption case," said William Moschella, principal associate deputy Attorney General.

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales also has denied that charge and said he intends to submit all of the names of his appointees to the Senate confirmation process.

Gonzales told CBS News, "I stand by the decisions [on the firings] 100 percent." He did concede that the firings "could have been handled better."

At least one Republican said he isn't sure that the agency acted properly.

"If the allegations are correct, then there has been serious misconduct in what has occurred in the terminations of these United States attorneys," Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania said. He cautioned his colleagues to withhold judgment on the mass firings and the charges of cronyism leveled against the Justice Department.

[antoniof123]

You know this administration just wants to get impeached. They do not deserve to be in power and I hope that this bad experiment ends with the religious right going to some other country where they are welcome. Maybe Iran or Iraq that way they can fight until their heart is content.

[dallison7]

Feinstein is investigating all the prosecutor firings. I saw her on CNN and she is mad as hell. As much as said this smells funny.

[clemenhagen1]

Simply more evidence that the current batch of Republicans and their supporters haven't the foggiest idea how the our constitutional system works. A president who rules in an imperial fashion as if he were Louis XIV, though he's got a lot more of Louis XVI's qualities. A congress under Republican rule that exercise virtually zero of their constitutional required duties of oversight. Does anyone really believe the Republican controlled congress of days ago would be investigating the Walter Reed fiasco. That would have been swept under the rug for fear of "embarrassing the administration." Now we have clear and unquestioned evidence that Republican lawmakers knowingly violated the supposed independence of the judicial and legal systems by pressuring entities to push politically motivated cases. When those prosecutors did not march lockstep like good Republican fascists they got sacked, just like Shinseki or any other competent official before them who did not obey the directives from above. Censure at a minimum, impeachment if the tampering and firing is as blatant as it appears. And how about sending all conservatives back for a crash course on Madisonian democracy. The preachers preaching on Justice Sunday could use a refresher as well.

[scott4261]

The Bush administration and the Republican Party are thugs who want to short circuit justice in order to force their vision down our throats. The consequences be damned! The proof is here.

I can't wait 'til January 20, 2009, when the Bush administration error will finally be over. And maybe the Republicans who are still standing in its wake will finally learn about ethics! Jeez!

[observantx]

Just more evidence of the mindset of the White House Evil Twins and their enforcer Gonzalez.

Pressuring the Justice Department to conduct witch hunts against their enemies and terminating any Justice department employee who doesn't turn a blind eye to the rot and slime of their friends.

I'm surprised these lawyers didn't get rendered to a secret prison in some Middle Eastern country.

Haven't we had enough of this imperial presidency?

Nancy & Harry, put impeachment back on the table!

The future of this nation depends on getting these criminals into their proper place: a cell.

[scott4261]

Unfortunately for us, though, this is ample evidence proving that President Bush is stacking the courts with conservatives in order to insure a sort of right wing "judicial activism" will continue long after he is gone from the White House. This is a hijacking of the Judicial Branch of government. Pure and simple.

[forthepeaple]

IT IS TIME FOR THE AMERICANS TO HAVE A COMPLETE OVERSITE COMMISSION ON EVERYONE AND CLEAN HOUSE AND START OVER TO SAVE OUR COUNTRY.. I CANT BELEIVE THAT ALL AMERICA IS THIS STUPID TO LET THIS CONTINUE. I HAVE SEEN ABOUT ANOUGH OF OVERSITE THIS, OVERSITE THAT, THE WHOLE GOVERNMENT HAS TO BE OVERSITED.. BY US THE AMERICANS THAT PUT THEM IN OFFICE TO DEFEND OUR CONSTATUTION. AND THEY HAVEN'T SO WAKE UP AMERICA BEFORE THERE IS NO AMERICA TO FIGHT FOR.

[rafterman1]

"in order to insure a sort of right wing "judicial activism" will continue long after he is gone from the White House."

What? I thought only liberal judges practiced judicial activism :)

[mitywhity]

What politician doesn't stack as much support around themself as high as they can? Just wait, Hillary will stack as much liberalism as she can around her. Then when she has created a more vulnerable America and we get another attack or two on our soil and she is run out on a rail, it will all be repeated again. So, what's the point. Cons and Libs can't work together, they just alternate control a few years at a time. There's no story here, just a bunch of lawyers missing their inside track.

[mitywhity]

Hillary in '08! I can't wait to watch her. You think Bush is bad? This power-addict will more than fill his shoes.

[forthepeaple]

AND WAIT UNTIL WE HAVE A NEW STATE? WHAT YOU SAY!!!!! YUP MEXICO...........

[abbe7]

MITYWHITY -

"Then when she has created a more vulnerable America and we get another attack or two on our soil and she is run out on a rail, it will all be repeated again"

You mean that even with her in power, Bush and Cheney will be able to make another "operation Northwoods" again ? I tought that this was not possible with a democrat as president. JFK stopped it, Bush let it happen.

[springfever0]

We have two legislators, a US senator and a US representative, both Republicans, who after initially dodging responsibility, admitted that they had inappropriately contacted the United State attorney in New Mexico about pending cases. Then, we are asked by those legislators to believe that they made no attempt to influence him regarding the handling of the cases the outcome of which would have benefited both politically. Res Ipsa Loquitor. The thing speaks for itself.

[jn122736]

MITYWHITY,

Do you suppose the reason we have not had another 911 type attack here might be because the Bush administration has not needed another one yet?

[macusweil]

What a surprise George Bush wants to gut the U.S. attorneys s office of anyone who does not know how to march goose step!!

Fascism is alive and well in the USA.

What else should we expect from a man who's own grandfather, Prescott Bush broke US laws to send aid to Adolf Hitler's third Reich?

[mcvet]

Hillary in '08! I can't wait to watch her. You think Bush is bad? This power-addict will more than fill his shoes.
Posted by MITYWHITY at 10:29 AM : Mar 06, 2007

How so? It ISN'T beneth a Fascist to resort to this kind of slur... leave it open ended and just let whatever mud slung by whomever stick. It's as old as Mein Komp and as ugly. Are you INTENTIONALLY acting like a Fascist or doing so out of ignorance? Let's let the Canidates Speak to their positions and let's weigh each Canidate run on THEIR qualifications for the job. That way, if we do not resort to the FASCISM of Carl Rove, we do not have a George Bush to contend with. Let's just trust the judgement of the PEOPLE and leave the mud home!

[h0rseracer05]

Most of what I see in the comments by all I've read in this Blog, I can only say God Have Mercy on this Country. It's going to take devine intervention to save us. With that said, most of the writing/musings are nothing more than Party mumblings. There are those that hate Bush, and those that hate everything and oh yeah, those that are so selfabsorbed, they believe they have all of the answers.

I must say the only way to resolve all that is wrong with Government is to replace it. That is why we need a third party, the party of real people. When the GOP was formed I believe the Ideals were high. There was a time the Democrats actually represented the little guy, not the Kennedy or Hollywood Elite Perverts. Both of the dominant parties have become self-perpetuating Behemoths. When Ross Perot came forth with his Good Old Boy, Get er Done, Let's Fix It campaign he had the right idea. It can be done. Our government isn't run by those that care, it's run by those that care only for themselves.

Teddy Roosevelt"Behind the ostensible Government sits enthroned a Government acknowledging no allegiance and owing no responsibility to the people"

[macusweil]

"Hillary in '08! I can't wait to watch her. You think Bush is bad? This power-addict will more than fill his shoes. "

Gee what's she going to do? abuse her power and start a needless war that sacrifices the lives of thousands of US Armed services woman & men while wasting 1/2 a trillion dollars of taxpayer money??

[forthepeaple]

you all have to remenber that our government just completed 5 not 1 but 5 super bases, and thats was a cost of a trillion, plus they have built a town surrounded buy the best and most up to date weapons. they call it the bush,cheney,rumsfeld retirement home.. we could have used one of what 30 or more of the palaces that were around, no we had to build a billion dollar embassy...do you really think that our military generals are going to leave that behind. not in a million years. so we will be there until someone with big balls like me and puts a end to all the bull *** in washinton and to start takeing care of our country. the government doesn't want anyone to know that china is the super power now. wake up america.

[forthepeaple]

hey HORSERACER.05/ I have been saying this all over the web for the past 3 months. have yuo read what i posted the other day. to read the story on pentagon whistle blower at www.scoop.co.nz should be on left side of site about quarter way down to 1/2 way down. read it. and the third party is americans for america., put it out all over the web. his name is david a belanger and he will put a end to them all.

[scott4261]

Hillary in '08! I can't wait to watch her. You think Bush is bad? This power-addict will more than fill his shoes.
Posted by MITYWHITY at 10:29 AM
-------

Well, God help us if the Democrats are stupid enough to nominate her. I don't dislike her as much as I dislike Bush. But if Hillary Clinton is the Domocratic nominee, we will deserve whatever we get. We need to break this dysfunctional Bush-Clinton cycle!

[scott4261]

The George W. Bush administration and the Republican Party are thugs who want to short circuit justice in order to force their vision down our throats. The consequences be damned! The proof is here.

Unfortunately for us, this is ample evidence proving that President Bush is stacking the courts with conservatives in order to insure a sort of right wing "judicial activism" will continue long after he is gone from the White House. This is a hijacking of the Judicial Branch of government. Pure and simple.

[naber1961]

DUBYA IS JUST A DICTATOR AND IF YOU DONT GO ALONG WITH HIS FAR FETCHED AND IGNORANT SCHEMES YOU ARE GONE. I JUST HOPE WE CAN MAKE IT TIL JAN 20, 2009 THEN MAYBE HE WILL BE GONE AS WELL AS HIS ILK.

[naber1961]

DUBYA IS JUST A DICTATOR AND IF YOU DONT GO ALONG WITH HIS FAR FETCHED AND IGNORANT SCHEMES YOU ARE GONE. I JUST HOPE WE CAN MAKE IT TIL JAN 20, 2009 THEN MAYBE HE WILL BE GONE AS WELL AS HIS ILK.

All Bush understands about government is getting power, using it for his purposes, and rewarding his cronies who play ball. Ethical restraint is not on his agenda...that's for sissies and cowards.

All Bush understands about government is getting power, using it for his purposes, and rewarding his cronies who play ball. Ethical restraint is not on his agenda...that's for sissies and cowards.

[ajaxrose1]

In my state they can fire you without notice and without stating a reason. It's called "At Will." Lawyers that are any good shouldn't have a problem finding another over paid position now should they?

[clemenhagen1]

Simply more evidence that the current batch of Republicans and their supporters haven't the foggiest idea how the our constitutional system works. A president who rules in an imperial fashion as if he were Louis XIV, though he's got a lot more of Louis XVI's qualities. A congress under Republican rule that exercise virtually zero of their constitutional required duties of oversight. Does anyone really believe the Republican controlled congress of days ago would be investigating the Walter Reed fiasco. That would have been swept under the rug for fear of "embarrassing the administration." Now we have clear and unquestioned evidence that Republican lawmakers knowingly violated the supposed independence of the judicial and legal systems by pressuring entities to push politically motivated cases. When those prosecutors did not march lockstep like good Republican fascists they got sacked, just like Shinseki or any other competent official before them who did not obey the directives from above. Censure at a minimum, impeachment if the tampering and firing is as blatant as it appears. And how about sending all conservatives back for a crash course on Madisonian democracy. The preachers preaching on Justice Sunday could use a refresher as well.

[getcentered]

Many Americans today have been enlightened by the two wars we find ourselves involved. One war, the "war on terrorism", finds its main battleground in Afghanistan, and it is a war that costs lives and money but the majority of Americans support. Liberals, Democrats, Republicans, Conservatives, most don't have a problem with us kicking down the doors of members of the Taliban.

When talking about the war in Iraq the parties have much difference. Democrats say that the public and congress was mislead to justify the war in Iraq and that the Bush Administration no longer deserves autonomy in situations where US service men and women's lives are on the line. Based on the results of the last Congressional elections, most Americans see a problem with GOP/Republicans; at least in the way they make decisions about the use of our military.

So why is it that in the GOP/Republican party there are no dissenters, no independent thinkers, no moderates? Where are the real conservatives who would laugh at how conservatively the current Republican party has been spending taxes, and creating big government? Has the Republican Party lost its identity? Can the ideology of the GOP be so easily summed up in Karl Rove talking points like %u201Csupport this and support that%u201D, and angry rhetoric like %u201Cliberals are traitors%u201D?

Hello centrist Republicans! Anybody out there?

[getcentered]

Republicans of today will destroy everything good about America.

Especially Gonzales, he's a complete fool and a mad man.

Notice that I said "of today", because for the life of me I can't figure out what happen to the real Republican party.

Please, someone tell where the CENTRIST Republicans are?

[nyckate]

of course they were "leaned on" and then fired for political machinations - they didn't 'play ball' with the louses in Bush Admin and now Bush getting his revenge.

Bush in effect is overruling the laws of the country to benefit his own supporters and even protect them from prosecution when they break the laws.

Bush Admin top to bottom has no shame, morals, ethics or leadership skills - and has the values of a low-down sewer rat.

[nyckate]

ajaxrose1 - Bush's attempt was about negating the laws of the US - he wanted these US Attorneys to play on HIS side not the law - and when they didn't he fired them - its not about finding another job its about putting an end to Bush's shameless acts against the US Constitution. Stop looking at the small picture - look at the larger one.

[david1737]

This is about influencing justice for political gain.

[susanhelit]

"Unprecedented" - that says it all, especially to those who want to pretend this is just business as usual. We have an "unprecedented" level of corruption going on, an "unprecedented" degree of attack on the Constitution and separation of powers and the very basis of America.

[starleo146]

If you do not cow tow with this administration they will get you look what they did to Valerie Plame. Rodrigues will get found out just like Sooter did.

[Syndicate]

The best way to keep from getting fired is to dig up as much dirt as possible on your employer. Look for Illegal stuff as this will be most valuable. Either in getting your employer arrested or getting them to pay you to just leave and keep your mouth shut. Keep track of your rights too most employer have no idea what they are doing and often violate an employees rights without even knowing it. Its rather easy to come back at them with a wrongful dismissal suit if you do your homework.

[us_infidel]

Did he feel "leaned on" or "spooned" like the lady on the NW Airlines flight? It makes a difference! :)

[Decimiller]

The Questions. Should corrupt acts in the Attorney General's Office be considered more significant than "Travelgate"? Will this be treated as dismissive as the 'outing' of a CIA agent by the Administration.

[crater7]

THESE GUYS ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES BEING LEANED ON. DONT FORGET THE TWO BORDER PATROL AGENTS RAMOS & COMPEAN WHO WAS ARRESTED, PROSECUTED AND SENT TO PRISON FOR DOING THEIR JOBS. THEY WERE SENT TO PRISON FOR SHOOTING A MEXICAN DRUG DEALER, WHO WAS GIVEN IMMUNITY FROM PROSECUTION FOR HIS TESTIMONY AGAINST THE BORDER POTROL AGENTS. THIS CASE IS NOT OVER BY A LONG SHOT. THIS CASE STINKS BIG TIME.

[clemenhagen1]

This president has his supporters along with the Republicans who have controlled Congress since 1994 either do not know or do not care how the our constitutional system works. The president behaves as if he has an emporer's power, and the administration apologists claim he's "commander-in-chief during a time of war" and thus can exercise unchecked power (war without end, torture, spying without a warrant, etc). The recent Congress under Republican rule exercised virtually zero of the constitutionally mandated duties of oversight. Does anyone really believe the Republican controlled congress of days ago would be investigating the Walter Reed fiasco. That would have been swept under the rug for fear of "embarrassing the administration." Now we have clear and unquestioned evidence that Republican lawmakers knowingly violated the supposed independence of the judicial and legal systems by pressuring entities to push politically motivated cases. When those prosecutors did not march lockstep like good Republican fascists they got sacked, just like Shinseki or any other competent official before them who did not obey the directives from above. Censure at a minimum, impeachment if the tampering and firing is as blatant as it appears. And how about sending all conservatives back for a crash course on Madisonian democracy. The preachers preaching on Justice Sunday could use a refresher as well.

[j0hnwi11iams]

What republicans want if a fast lane for democrats and a slow lane for republicans. This is about corruption in high places seeping into the system. This isn't about being fair, it is about eliminating the competition. Gonzo should be fired, but he won't.

[mwilson30058]

wjksea, please wake up, your sarcasm about what you read was the official white corporate america kiss of death.This government does not really care nor do you. If this information was not published would you really care, or would you have really known about it.
Why are you surprised about the white american legal system. Clearly any educated person can see the Congresspersons who phone prosecutors are not phoning them to invited them to dinner or invite them to lunch. Wilson and Dommenici are phoning to interfer in what does not concern them. They Phoned on behalf of someone or some organization to get results. Watch the joke as the Congress will willfully turn a blind eye to the incident and absolve their fellow members. Clearly as we can see work performance was not the issue and if these congressmen were really concerned they could have spokenn to the prosecutors bosses instead of speaking directly with the prosecutor. See Wilson and Dommenici were not happy with the answers they received from the prosecutor so they pulled strings behind the prosecutors back. Its calleed a wonderful white american stab in the back, where they smile with you to your face and plant the knife figuratively firmly in the middle of your back. What goes around comes around. Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.

[skyk-2009]

Did he feel "leaned on" or "spooned" like the lady on the NW Airlines flight? It makes a difference! :)
Posted by US_Infidel at 03:28 PM : Mar 06, 2007

I think everyone here knows you don't care as long as the fascist and the party isn't hurt! Why don't you just be honest about it? It's so obvious you don't give a *** about the nation or the FACT that these people were fired because they didn't produce for the party. NONE of it matters to you. I just wish you'd be honest about it for a change. Sieg Heil!!

[tucson23]

You want proof Republican voters are stupid, ignorant fools? Wait until 2008--I bet you Pete Domenici, a corrupt a$$ who chooses party over justice, will be re-elected. Thank GOD Bush won't be...

[karlimhof]

These unending Republican power scandals prove the dangerous cancer this party represents.

What will they NOT do to impose their will on the American people - this is totalitarian!

Down with this regime ! We are Americans, not Bulgarians !!!!

[aznyron-2009]

reading this reminds me of the movie Philadelphi with Tom hans & Denzel Washinton when Tom hanks was dismissed for having aids and said his work was shabby but in the end Tom Hanks won in court I am getting educated on how goverment works if you don't play dirty pool for the party you get bounced out it seem the Rep are the experts in that kind of game they have a lot of practice dating back to the willie horton deal againts then running for Pres, Mike DuKakis and swift boat episode agains John kerry and the Monic story against a sitting President Clinton we can go on & on all the way back to Joe McCarthy another rep claiming communist in our goverment and forming commitie to destroy any one who does not co operate with them like Alga Hiss and Larry Parks along with many other hollywood writers and actors amen

[karlimhof]

Libby's false account of events, he added, was meant to serve as a "blocker ... to cut off all those conversations with people, including the vice president." There is, Fitzgerald said, "a cloud over the White House as to what happened. Don't you think the FBI, the grand jury, the American people are entitled to a straight answer?"

- Patrick Fitzgerald

[gunnerv1]

Don' forget, "all political appointee's serve at the pleasure of the appointer" and may be terminated at anytime with or without cause. Now put the shoe on the other foot and it was a Democratic Admin.investigating some repulicans and they were not moving fast enough to suit someone in the Senate/House. Would you be screaming just a loud?

[skyk-2009]

Don' forget, "all political appointee's serve at the pleasure of the appointer" and may be terminated at anytime with or without cause. Now put the shoe on the other foot and it was a Democratic Admin.investigating some repulicans and they were not moving fast enough to suit someone in the Senate/House. Would you be screaming just a loud?
Posted by gunnerv1 at 07:22 AM : Mar 07, 2007
+ report this comment

What in the wide wide world of the Swastika does the OVERSIGHT of the Senate/House have to do with this? You pathetic Fascist grow more desperate with each passing day!! LOL Go back, take off the swastika, and READ the story! God how stupid do you have to be to be a fascist? ROFLMAO

[zoroastor]

This "presidency" is the "Worst episode EVER!"

Felony convictions of Clinton Administration = 0
(tax $ spent trying to get one = $40 million

Felony Convictions of Reagan/Bush Admin = 13
Pardoned by reagan or bush = 6

Felony convictions of Nixon Admin = 4, which does not include misdemeanor convictions, convictions of low level, non-administration types such as the 5 CIA agents that actually did the break in or the 1 Giant Blanket Pardon by Ford

Felony convictions (so far) of the W administration = 1

I look forward to many more.