Protestors Removed From Gonzales Hearing

Two protestors in orange jumpsuits were just escorted from the House Judiciary Committee hearing on Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. They were wearing black head-scarves and carrying "Fire Gonzales" signs, and sitting in the TV shot behind Gonzales.

But Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) wasn't having any of it. "I don't care what happened at other hearings, this is the one I am responsible for," Conyers told the protestors before having them removed. He was evidently referring to Gonzales' appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee several weeks ago. when "Code Pink" and other protestors made their presence known pretty forcefully. Conyers allowed two protestors to stay put. but clearly on a short lease.

Update - Rep. Dan Lungren (R-Calif.) just objected to having a Code Pink protestor sitting behind the attorney general with an "Arrest Gonzales" sign on her shirt. "This is not a 'Star Chamber,'" Lungren said.

Conyers agreed to Lungren's request, and a the protestor was escorted from the room. with a committee aide tearing a "Resign!" sign out of the woman's hand.

"This is not a political rally," Conyers said.

Further update - The protestors are trying to get back into the hearing room during a committee recess for House votes, but Conyers' staff is not allowing it to happen, not if the protestors are wearing any kind of sign or hats with comments about Gonzales. Code Pink is not giving up, however, and they are quoting committee rules on attendance at public hearings back to panel staff.

A Conyers' aide just warned the protestors that they will be removed if any members object to their presence, but it looks like they are back in for now.

" Now here's the thing - I wouldn't count on Mr. Conyers being able to bail you out," one Conyers' aide just told