While publicly playing the tough guys both Conyers and Sanchez are playing another game behind the scenes. Conyers has claimed they have have yet to receive any formal notice that the Pres. is asserting privilege, but it is being reported that the White House has ordered Rove not to testify.
House Judiciary Committee Democrats on Monday renewed their demand that former White House political adviser Karl Rove testify publicly on the politicization of the Justice Department but suggested they may accept a compromise in which Rove would be interviewed in private without taking an oath to tell the truth.
House Dems may accept unsworn statements from Rove
So much for all the tough talk. Next step is a meaningfully mean letter right ?
Ever since Rep. Conyers came over here to dkos with all his tough talk about Impeachment before the last election in his diaries and then took his dive at Pelosi's orders, I pretty much ignore most of what comes from his mouth. If anyone is surprised at this latest news they shouldn't be.
Since the Pres. has order Rove not to testify Conyers is left to suck his thumb and hoping Karl may decide that he will come in and talk, not under oath, and probably without anyone taking notes, and probably with immunity, just so he can rub Congresses noses in a big steaming pile of ....
Rove's lawyer, Robert Luskin, has said the White House has ordered Rove not to testify.
But in a letter sent Monday to Luskin, House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, D-Mich., and Judiciary Commercial and Administrative Law Subcommittee Chairwoman Linda Sanchez, D-Calif., said Luskin recently suggested to the committee staff that Rove appear "without a transcript or oath," but without any limit on the committee's right to seek sworn testimony later.
The next quote is the real key in my opinion as it should provide insight into the next steps.
"This is an important step forward," Conyers and Sanchez said of Luskin's proposal. "We are encouraged by this suggestion," they added.
Their letter indicates a willingness by House Democrats to back off their past rejection of a White House offer last year to have Rove and other aides answer questions in private without an oath or transcript. Democrats had been insisting that the aides testify under oath in public.
Oh well, nothing new to see here. I'm betting it safe to ignore any more reports of arrest Rove if he refuses to testify huh ? I'm more than ready for the time after Jan 20th to begin so we can possibly see some real actions taken. I won't be holding my breath tho.