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AG Refutes Account of Hospital Visit

Senators assail Gonzales in acrimonious oversight hearing

By Dustin Lushing,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 24, 2007 4:08 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Alberto Gonzales today refuted an ex-colleague's dramatic testimony about a 2004 visit to John Ashcroft's hospital bed, but the Senate Judiciary Committee wasn't buying it. Patrick Leahy and Arlen Specter were openly skeptical of the AG's account of the scene in John Ashcroft's room, and Specter raised the possibility of appointing a special prosecutor to investigate the US attorney firings.

Ashcroft's then-deputy, James Comey, told the panel in May that he considered the hospital visit "an attempt take advantage of a very sick man" in an effort to gain approval of an initiative widely believed to be the warrantless wiretapping program. Gonzales today reiterated his insistence that he has no plans to step down.

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, left, listens as Senate Judiciary Committee member, Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., on monitor, asks him a question during the committee's hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, July 24, 2007, to discuss Gonzales' role in the U.S. attorney firings. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, left, listens as Senate Judiciary Committee member, Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., on monitor, asks him a question during the committee's hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington,...   (Associated Press)
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, July 24, 2007, before the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on his role in the firing of federal prosecutors. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook)
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, July 24, 2007, before the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on his role in the firing of federal prosecutors. (AP...   (Associated Press)
John Ashcroft appears wary in this file photo. Gonzales was called upon to defend a dramatic 2004 visit to Ashcroft's bedside while the former Attorney General was recovering from surgery.
John Ashcroft appears wary in this file photo. Gonzales was called upon to defend a dramatic 2004 visit to Ashcroft's bedside while the former Attorney General was recovering from surgery.   (KRT Photos)
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, with his entourage behind him, takes his seat at the witness table on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, July 24, 2007, as he prepares to resume his testimony following a break, before the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on about his role in the U.S. attorney...
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, with his entourage behind him, takes his seat at the witness table on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, July 24, 2007, as he prepares to resume his testimony following...   (Associated Press)
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, July 24, 2007, before the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on his role in the U.S. attorney firings. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, July 24, 2007, before the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on his role in the U.S. attorney firings. (AP Photo/Susan...   (Associated Press)
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Background

A rundown of the events of March 10, 2004
Washington Post

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Congress • Alberto Gonzales • Democrats • Republican • Attorney General • John Ashcroft • James Comey • NSA • hospital • testimony • warrantless wiretapping • Deputy Attorney General • George W. Bush

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