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Justice Dept. Aide Ties Rove to Firings

Disputes Gonzales statements on his role in dismissals

By Peter Fearon, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 30, 2007 7:50 AM CDT

(Newser) – Alberto Gonzales was more deeply involved in the dismissal of eight U.S. attorneys than he has admitted, and Karl Rove had a direct role in the firings, according to dramatic testimony by the attorney general's former chief of staff yeasterday, reports the Washington Post. Kyle Sampson claimed he briefed his boss at least five times on the prosecutor firings.

Sampson told the Senate Judiciary Committee directly that Gonzales earlier statements on the matter were not accurate. He also claimed that New Mexico prosecutor David C. Iglesias was added to a dismissal list only after complaints by Rove about his handling of voter fraud cases.

US NEWS ATTORNEYS-SAMPSON 4 MCT (KRT Photos)

President Bush, right, waves as he walks back to the Oval Office of the White House with White Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove, left, Friday, March 23, 2007 in Washington. Bush was returning after attending... (Associated Press)

US NEWS ATTORNEYS-SAMPSON 6 MCT (KRT Photos)

US NEWS ATTORNEYS-SAMPSON 1 MCT (KRT Photos)

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Justice Dept. Aide Ties Rove to Firings

Disputes Gonzales statements on his role in dismissals

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Senate Seeks E-mails From Gonzales

Attorney general receives first subpoena in firing scandal

Gonzales: "I Have Nothing To Hide"

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Alberto Gonzales Resigns

Attorney general steps down after months of criticism over politicized Justice Department

Bush Aide Stonewalls Senators

Rove snubs Judiciary Committee; 29-year-old staffer pleads for sympathy

Rove Won't Testify, Citing Privilege

Counsel orders adviser to keep mum; Gonzales stands pat on testimony

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Justice Dept. Aide Ties Rove to Firings

Disputes Gonzales statements on his role in dismissals

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Alberto Gonzales • US attorney • Karl Rove • Kyle Sampson • Attorney General • Senate • Judiciary Committee • David C. Iglesias

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Senate Seeks E-mails From Gonzales

Attorney general receives first subpoena in firing scandal

Gonzales: "I Have Nothing To Hide"

Leaked testimony insists any mistakes made weren't actionable

Alberto Gonzales Resigns

Attorney general steps down after months of criticism over politicized Justice Department

Bush Aide Stonewalls Senators

Rove snubs Judiciary Committee; 29-year-old staffer pleads for sympathy

Rove Won't Testify, Citing Privilege

Counsel orders adviser to keep mum; Gonzales stands pat on testimony

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