Last month we found out that the WH was forcing out US Attorneys and replacing them with political appointments of people with 'close ties' to Bush. No oversight, no confirmation hearings. And this was all allowable under a provision included in the Patriot Reauthorization Act. A lot of people in and out of Washington were not happy when this story broke. It smacked of retaliation, particularly since at least one of the US Attorneys dismissed had prosecuted Randy Duke Cunningham -- who is now serving a prison sentence.
Fast forward to yesterday, when Paul McNutly, a Justice Department official testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee. This is where McNutly asserted that the forced outings were not politically motivated but due to 'poor performances', yet admits that at least one of the newly installed US Attorneys don't have the experience of their predecessors, and not only headed the RNC but also did a stint working for Rove.
But the official, Paul J. McNulty, the deputy attorney general, testified at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing that none of the forced resignations last year was politically motivated. He said most of the incumbents had been urged to leave because of poor performance.
[...]At the hearing, Mr. McNulty was asked by Senator Charles E. Schumer, Democrat of New York, whether it was accurate to say that Mr. Cummins had not done anything wrong to justify his removal. Mr. McNulty replied, “I do not dispute that characterization.”
Had Mr. Cummins ever received a poor performance evaluation, Mr. Schumer asked.
Mr. McNulty answered, “I’m not aware of anything negative.”
So, McNutly was caught in a lie. Why isn't the media characterizing it as such?
Mr. McNulty acknowledged that Mr. Griffin did not have an extensive background as a prosecutor, but said he had enough experience to be well qualified. He also said that a number of successful United States attorneys had been engaged in past political activities, and that it should not disqualify an appointee.
Here's a thought -- someone that doesn't have the experience yet has strong political ties, will be (rightly) characterized as being a political appointee.
But, there is nothing to see here, this is not politically motivated (cough). Move on.
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