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Conyers On Rove: “We’ll Hold Him In Contempt”

By Michael Lang on May 16, 2008 in Featured

Just off the House floor today, the Crypt overheard House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers tell two other people: “We’re closing in on Rove. Someone’s got to kick his ass.” “We want him for so many things, it’s hard to keep track,” Conyers said.

Asked a few minutes later for a more official explanation, Conyers told us that Rove has a week to appear before his committee. If he doesn’t, said Conyers, “We’ll do what any self-respecting committee would do. We’d hold him in contempt. Either that or go and have him arrested.”

Conyers said the committee wants Rove to testify about his role in the prosecution of ex-Gov. Don Siegelman (D-AL), but Rove has refused to appear for a hearing, instead offering to speak privately with staff off the record. He modified that offer to testify by letter.

John Conyers’ (D-MI) response to Karl Rove’s offer to testify by letter: Nope.

But Conyers says that’s a no-go. If Rove is willing to create a record with a letter, he argues, then there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be willing to sit down with staff for an on-the-record interview. Conyers says the committee is prepared to offer "other possible accommodations, such as providing a list of initial questions that may be asked," but there must be a live interview and a transcript. Conyers again mentions the possibility of a subpoena should talks break down.

So now the ball is in Rove’s court.

NOTE: I love what former Ambassador and husband to outed CIA agent, Valerie Plame said about Mr. Rove almost two years ago. He said, "at the end of the day, it’s of keen interest to me to see whether or not we can get frog-marched out of the White House in handcuffs."

WE CAN ONLY HOPE SO, MR. WILSON…..