Siegelman wants Karl Rove held in contempt of Congress

At the weekend Netroots Nation convention in Austin, Texas, former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman — a Democrat whose bribery conviction at the hands of the Bush administration Justice Department is on appeal — called on Congress to hold Karl Rove in contempt. Siegelman was investigated by a Republican U.S. attorney with ties to Rove; she later recused herself from his case, but allegations of partisan influence in the case persist. (At the convention, Siegelman spoke to TPM Media about the matter; see video.)

The House Judiciary Committee subpoenaed Rove, pictured, to testify about Siegelman and incidents involving other U.S. attorneys that Democrats believe constitute abuse of power by the White House. Rove, claiming executive privilege, did not attend the committee hearing, much as he had earlier refused to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Rove has brushed away suggestions that he somehow influenced the prosecution, but he refuses to answer questions from a congressional committee under oath.

Siegelman has long maintained the case against him was politically motivated and blames Rove. The Los Angeles Times' first story on the case laid out the basics.

In a petition drive, Siegelman asks voters to urge lawmakers to hold Rove in contempt of Congress.

— Tom Hamburger and Johanna Neuman

Photo: Jennifer Simonson / Associated Press

Video: TPM Media via YouTube

Comments

[lordjeff]

Hillarious stuff on McCain's rumored running mate today, including a debate video from 94 with Kennedy. Shows the true 'genuine' Romney- who apparently doesn't believe in anyone thing for too long.
http://www.greenfaucet.com/hanlons-pub/mitt-romney-nooooooooooo/01949