Testimony is set to begin at 2:30 pm ET in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Witnesses today will be Bradley J. Schlozman, Associate Counsel to the Director of the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, Former Interim U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, Former Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General and Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice and Todd Graves, Former U.S. Attorney, Western District of Missouri. Should be some interesting testimony today.
Emptywheel called me a few minutes ago. She and Tiredfed are going to be able to attend the hearing. C-Span3 will be covering the proceedings live, according to their scheduling information. I'm not going to do detailed liveblogging of the proceedings, but will be watching along for notable moments and will pick those out for everyone and put them up as they come along until I have to go and pick up The Peanut from preschool.
Please feel free to point out what you are hearing in the comments as well.
Hearing begins app. 2:34 pm ET.
SEN. LEAHY begins with a statement regarding the WH's stalling tactics in giving information anf cooperating with the investigations of Congress. That if Pres. Bush wants to complain about delay in this concluding, he need only look to himself and his employees for the reason why.
Asks whether "voter fraud" and the willingness to pursue cases as a means of proving loyalty to the White House may have played a part in Graves' firing and Schlotzman's hiring. Says that it is the Department of Justice for the whole of the US, and not just for the White House.
2:41 pm ET
SCHLOZMAN doing his opening statement now. Talking up his amazing tenure stats in his few months in the USA seat. [CHS NOTES: Any PR is good PR theory of testimony.]
NOTE: Sorry gang — my computer crashed and I had a bit of trouble getting it restarted. Am going to begin a new thread.
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gabbly!
Walton! (Good idea from below, I thought. Now to read the thread.)
Zedilicious!
Leahy and Schumer talking to each other…no sound
I’m an attorney but civil, not criminal. I know some of you criminal types hang out on this board so care to take a whack at this question:
Simple yet infuriating question: did Libby get a long or short sentence? This poster seems to articulate that he actually caught quite a break but the MSM spin is he got a heavy sentence. What is the answer?
http://time-blog.com/swampland…..tence.html
“And so Libby’s sentence, which will certainly be appealed, is on the high end of the guidelines: 30 months, 250,000 in fines, and 2 years probation after jail.”
ana, you either weren’t paying attention, or you have no idea what the hell you are talking about.
30 months is at the LOW end of the applicable guidelines for Libby (which were 30-37 months). Jeffries argument that “cross-referencing” (which results in higher sentences) to the severity of the crime being investigated should not apply — those arguments were rejected as they should have been, resulting in the range cited above as the “guidelines” range.
Walton weighed the issue of whether the non-mandatory guidelines should be followed, noted that there were argument for sentences higher than and lower than the guidelines, and that those arguments “balanced out” and thus the guidelines were appropriate to follow.
He then sentenced Libby to the SHORTEST sentence under the applicable guidelines for obstruction of just, and provided that the sentences for the other convictions (whose guidelines had shorter sentences) be served concurrently, rather than consecutively.
In reality, had Walton imposed the maximum sentence under the guidelines, Libby would have been sentenced to 97 months (37 for the obstruction count, 20. IIRC, for each of the others) served consecutively.
{{{{EW}}}} {{{{Tired Fed}}}}
{{{{tired but kind & diligent MODS}}}}
No CSPAN 3. ;(
Leahy opening hearing. “A lot of stonewalling byuy this admin. Failures of memory by AG and others. President complaining about hearings being drug out – needs to look at his own people for this problem…
Leahy – they keep delaying us, thinking that we’ll forget about this matter. We won’t.
Drat. Don’t get CSpan3…
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One dozen, two dozen, even three dozen attys selected for firing. Only press accounts have reported these firings.
Only in the last couple of weeks learned about politcal targetting of attys and firings.
Monica Goodling had to admit that she crossed the line in engaging in this conduct. Who else knew or dircted this conduct? These are all quesitons we need to know. Will be contacting DoJ IG on this topic including apparent attempts to influence Ms Goodling testimony
Bad day for the Goopers.
;)
Loo Hoo. @ 7
in addition to c-span3… also by SJC webcast and c-span radio
WH can’t have it both ways by stonewalling and witholding documents and witnesses and complain the investigation is taking too long.
Every week brings new revelation on erosion of indenpendence of prosecutors. Obligation is to the constitution rule of law not the political considerations of admin
EW liveblogs the sentencing hearing, then races over, ignoring the vision of a nice tall frosty IPA in her head, and attends the SJC hearing. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear she types 120 words a minute, writes elegant code, and can accurately predict the DOW within 5% over any given month. Whew!
Loo Hoo. @ 7
LooHoo, it does seem to be up & running now, sound & picture. Use link above. Click on tv schedules, then CSpan 3, then logo of system you wish for coverage… ;->
Witness sworn in (Schlozman).
Leahy running down CV and job history.
Oh chipmunk voice!!!
Can you say, “Pixie”?
Oh jeez, Schlozweasel has a helium voice!
CHIPMUNK !!
Wow…hate his voice!!!! it does not match his looks
OMFG
LMAO
He sounds like he just swallowed a helium balloon!
That voice – Am I on acid?
we all agree with this voice over dude
OMG, he sounds like a mini-GOnzales. Not sure I can listen to all this.
Why do all these Bushie AG Creeps have such annoying voices?
TR @ 10
We don’t get CSpan 3 thru tv, but thru computer.
Try what i suggested to Loo Hoo above at 17.
You can open 2 windows, resize them to fit side by side, keep C-Span on one, FDL on the other. ;->
cc in nc @ 27
I agree
Oh. My. God.
I know this is supposed to be serious, but I can’t stop giggling.
Schlozman sounds *just* like Alvin Chipmunk!
munchkin voice – jeez – blowing his own horn doesn’t sound so impressive with a voice like that. He’s very proud of his service – take this clown down
Bye folks. I can NOT deal with that voice. This is NOT a good thing and brava and huzzahs to those with the wherewithall to undergo the torture…
Any and all volunteers appreciated to help live blog. Jump in with phrases and summaries. Try it, you’ll like it!
Bustednuckles @ 13
A pile-on? EXCELLENT!
dakine01 @ 33
Just stick around…dont want you to miss any high lights if any! I wonder what Leyhey is thinking!!!
Schlozman served 13 months as interim USA in Missouri, and about 3 years in the Civil Rights Division.
OleHippieChick @ 20
Richard Druyfuss as the uptight psychologist in “What About Bob?”
FGS, someone pleeze tell him to take a drink of water. but then, he’d need to pee in 30 sec…
I’m so glad that others pointed out what I thought was also very noticeable about the man in the immortal words of Seinfeld…he’s a high talker. He’s proud of his gun prosectuon and protecting kids and his civil voting rights record prosecution. Yowza…who knew getting rid of voting rights for minorities was considered a positive.
omfg!
It’s Daffy Duck!
He’s on now giving himself a glowing commendation on his tenure USA and all the things he accomplished…
He’s got a squeaky, wimpy little voice and is clearly nervous. Can’t wait until the Senators get going on him!!!
Just a lotta what a great job I did and how proud of it all I am blah, blah, blah.
This recitation is going to make the coming declarations of “I can’t recall” that much harder to believe.
Leahy: Glad to hear how spectacular you were.
why do i get the feeling that a lot of the stats he’s giving aren’t actually something to proud of?
and at least monica was somewhat attractive to put up with her voice…
no wonder he had a high ranking job…who would fire that voice! enough to make you walk!
He’s listing all his “incredible successes” of his division.
Leahy just got REAL sarcastic “I’m glad to hear how spectacular you are and your division. Makes me wonder why we’re here…
Leahy: I’m so glad to hear how spectacular you were”.
!!!
Adie, YES! Dreyfus!
Leahy – glad to hear about how spectacular you were, spectacular record. BWAH!
I’m glad to hear how spectacular you were…Leahey
707
Leahy is so glad to hear how spectacular everyone is and it makes him wonder what all the fuss is about.
Real Vermont snark.
Leahy sick of the BS.
He has ’small-voice syndrome’ obviously.
Did Leahy just open up with snark?
Way to go, Pat!
Leahy’s snarking: You sure have done a spectacular job.
Englischlehrer @ 45
really Monica – attractive?
He meant craptacular.
Leahy talking about the spectacular job that Scholzman did after listening to his opening statement. Senatorial snark!
OleHippieChick @ 20
No kidding. A friend and I were just saying that it sounds as though he just finished sucking on a helium balloon. Sounds a lot like Gonzo, doesn’t he? How creepy is that!
What’s with the wierd voices? Goodling, Gonzo and now this?
Leahey is going to eat him for lunch…ouch
realworld @ 28
Eunuchs…
Snarkalicious, Chairman!
Adie @ 29
Thanks!
First, though, I’ll have a D’Oh moment for not thinking of that…
D’OH!
He has Republican chin(s).
monica and this guy both have winny voices! a match made in HELL!
Leahy: Eve of last year’s closely contested election, you brought four criminal indictmens on eve of election. Now I read this book to say that’s not part of standing policy in book.
SCHL: No senator.
L:Is there another book I should be aware of?
(Leahy is already not buying the BS and slapping him down)
Leahy explaining the law to this twit.
Sparkles the Iguana @ 44
just luv him sometimes…. ;->
omg, even Leahy’s sigh speaks VOLUMES!
must.just.lurk! so-o-o.hard! for the mods! ooogh!
marksb @ 16
Man, no kidding – where’s the cape?
Leahy is beginning the questioning with a significant *snark*-flection.
yikes Pat is pissed….this is great! It’s about time Dems got pissed off at these lying cheating scumbags because they should be treated with nothing but contempt and disdain.
Clap…clap…bravo!
radiofreewill @ 11
I did so this morning again. Thanks to EW, Jane, Christy, commenters!! Amazing place here!
PSA – CSPAN3 Scheduling note:
Thursday June 7, 2007. 2:30 PM Eastern
Dismissal of U.S. Attorneys
Judiciary
Patrick J. Leahy , D-VT, Simon Chipmunk, Theodore Chipmunk
Bustednuckles @ 13
Let me guess, Fox News today:
CORRUPT DEM JEFFERSON!PARIS HILTON!
JFK TERROR PLOT!TEEN KIDNAPPING!
CORRUPT DEM JEFFERSON!PARIS HILTON!
JFK TERROR PLOT!TEEN KIDNAPPING!
Lather, rinse, repeat …
Woo hoo Leahy!
Ugh, I agree with commenters on Schlozzy’s voice… before looking at my screen, I thought he was a she. WTF? No wonder he’s on the bully team. I don’t know if I can bear hearing this guy.
Even the way he says “sennader” sounds like Gonzo. ARGH.
dakine01 @ 18
Oh, you hear it too. GAwD! I thought maybe it was my, um, connection, speakers, computer….
LiberalsRule @ 76
boy..his voice is very very troubling!@
Schlozman saying they got go ahead for indictments fromthe civil rights bureau honcho. He directed his dep (29 year pro).
Of course it was a DoJ wanting to screw Dems so of course go ahead…
Woodhall Hollow @ 51
I frackin’ [heart] Vermont.
kdh22 @ 62
Love my expanding vocabulary!
He must breath helium!
Leahy trying not to laugh.
Holy crap. It’s hard to hear the words being used because Donald’s voice is so…so…wow. It must be hard not to yip when one hears that voice for the first time.
I’ve got it!
Richard Dreyfus as Richard III (played as a “flaming homosexual” in “The Goodbye Girl”
Now isth the winter of our disthcontent…
hes lieing!
AZ Matt @ 83
His arsehole is puckered shut, he can’t get any air.
watch his beedie eyes, they tell a lot about his actions…he is lieing
Leahy — “You’re amazing!”
Leahy is PISS’D and not taking the BS at ALL!!!
Shlozman: thought it would have no affect on eelection.
Leahy: Amazing! Don’t you watch the news at all?
He really needs to not piss off Leahy.
Whoa. Leahy just slapped Schlozzie big time. Yow.
I did not have any recollection..did not recall..#2.
OfT
dumbya at 11:32 am
IANAL.
You might want to check past threads at The Next Hurrah. In the sentence predictions made there, no one iirc predicted anything more that 37 months.
jesus – Leahy’s got the throttle wide open!
Englischlehrer @ 45
now now, don’t be too judgemental.
just wait till he starts batting his eyelashes at the repubs on the committee.
ewwww. yeeeoouch! leahy’s dropped the scalpel & picked up the meat axe. NEXT?!
go PAT !!
Leahy: (to Schlozman)(incredulously) You’re amazing!
Schlozman: (nods head in agreement)
Wow. What an asshole.
Voice or no voice – when the recordings of this hearing come out, they are a must-listen, if only to hear Pat Leahy bat this creep around like a cat playing with a potato-bug!
Leahy shouts!
WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWO…he is MADMADMAD
Gawd Leahy yelled at him! Cool!!
Jesus Christ! My cat sat up straight with that booming voice.
Holy shit! Leahy’s voice is raised!
I wish Leahy had exploded at Abu Gonzales like this….
Sen. Leahy questions
When you were an interim appointment USA in Missouri, were you familiar with the Regulation book?
S: Hemming and hawing – ‘Yes’
Then why did you bring a few select charges in a larger, on-going investigation prior to the election, against the guidelines?
S: I was covered because I spoke to a DoJ official (election crimes branch director) and he said I could do it.
And there was nothing unusual about doing this that close to the election?
S: I did not think it would have any effect on the election.
Have you ever made a remark about an on-going investigation or the timing of a law-suit before as a USA? Would it have changed the outcome if you had waited until after the election?
S: I don’t think so.
Scholzman is a partisan gunslinger who twisted and shut down appropriate investigations at the Civil Rights Division, punished those who did not agree with his right wing views, and hired attorneys on whether or not they were Republicans. His antics in Missouri are just more of the same. To call this guy slime would be an insult to slime everywhere.
Oh this guy is SO ef’fing toast.
Leahy: would it have changed the outcome of your prosecution if you had waited a few weeks for the prosecution?
Scloz: Well no
Leahy then why didn;t you wait.
not a Repub in sight…
Schloz’ airway is even MORE constricted. Higher, higher, goes Shallow Throat!
Chuckles Schumer up.
Wow. Shumer has a tough act to follow.
Leahey yelled really loud, and my computer threw me off!!!
shuman…he will drill him with professional ethics watch him closelly
Schumer: Is politicization formal or informal. Alvin: formal. I never heard anything political.
jayt @ 96
Being fueled by this a.m.’s sentence, no doubt. After-burners r us!
Does Scholzman have a fu manchu? – bad viewer
Schumer on the case now.
Leahy and Schumer digging for specific names
Sclozman has stated he did not pull a Monica on partisan creds. He will go down for that lie.
Schumer: Did you ever ‘cross the line’?
Schlozman: I did not.
Anyone else think Schlozman just committed perjury, and that Chuck knows it?
Wordsmith @ 116
Goatee and ’stache
JGabriel @ 118
what and when did he committ perjury!
RonD @ 114
I like that Alvin. Alvin just lied about not violating the Hatch Act.
jayt @ 109
fuckin’ typical
I’m not aware of that.
Does that mean, uh – No!
JGabriel @ 118
Just wait ’til Whitehouse gets a hold of this creep…
Alvin goes up an entire octave when he lies?
Schumer has something on him and is getting the lies on the record…
dakine01 @ 119
Thank you – sometimes certain shit is important to know.
dakine01 @ 119
He’s livin’ in the 90’s…his glory days
Trying to pass things off as “hearing rumors” but all from higher in DoJ
OT,
A little tech help here pups?
How do I split screens w/Firefox so I can watch and follow here?
1oldlady @ 120
CS: Did you ever let party affiliation effect a hire?
BS: No.
“I’m not aware of that”
There’s the first “I don’t recall”.
I get the feeling Shumer is setting the stage, leading Schlozzie along and then zing!
Alvin: Never asked about party, loyalty, how they voted, don’t recall policy positions, non-profit positions, no knowledge any political questions being asked, but there were rumors. I did tell people to delete info from resume’s.
About to leave for the day (out-of-town visitors requested the Malibu Getty Museum), but first another thanks, Christy, Marcy, Jane, from my cousins & myself for the stellar FDL live blogging of Libby sentencing this a.m.
We’ve been watching CSPAN3, & as we go out the door, Pat Leahy is in the process of administering to Scholzman what Mom used to call “a hide peeling”…… :-)
Did he just throw the AG under the bus?
I need to find that voice altering machine I stole from the FBI.
Off to the closet. I can’t endure this much longer.
He’s using Monica’s same “we’d get resumes for career and political positions so if it was a career, we’d ask them to modify”
Bustednuckles @ 130
try the file menu, then select New Window
Wordsmith @ 116
BWAHAHAHA! I haven’t heard the term “fu manchu” in ages! Too funny!!!
More like a soul patch under the lip and a 3-day chin growth a la Don Johnson.
Just an observation…his initials are BS
Appropriate, no?
I MUST have YouTube of this video!!!, sidebyside with running FDL commentary.
OMG! 707!!!
5 X “Im notawareofthat” before he had any thot of varying his schlozanswers.
Think his office is a broom closet?
Get out much?
woohoo, whut a pitbull! coff! coff! NO! don’t bother turning the head.
absolutely painful.
1oldlady @ 120
It’s pretty well known that Schlozman, like Goodling, asked political questions of potential employees. Given the bluntness of Schumer’s questions, it’s likely he has direct testimony from others that Schlozman did so.
Which Schlozman denied, right off the bat.
Alvin doesn’t remember any names. 4 more “I don’t recall’s”.
kdh22 @ 141
Thanks. My snack just hit the monitor screen. LOL!
Schumerdid you ever suggest an applicant to change a resume to hide republican background
A-encourage people to change
Q dont put repub so they wont know yr views or affil
A i wd get resumes fm 3rd parties political or career position. i sent to atty gen or WH liaison. if career position if i saw political background i wd encourage them not. perhaps handful 3-4
Q name people wt afifliations to take off
A one has come out and made allegation
Q several occasions
A yes might have been organization
Q never told people purpose ofhiding
yes or no or to that efffect
A i dont recall making comment to
Q repub nationa lawyers assn
Q Michael feely refer candidates to you
A i dont recall
Schumer: did you ever get recommendations from the Repub national law assoc?
Don’t recall
Do you know Micahel Fearling(?)
No
So, he is saying he would tell people to take off the fact that they were Repubs on their resumes and THEN send up the resumes for consideration for career positions. I wonder how many Dems he told to do that. I’ll bet those resumes never made any further. What a crock.
Today, this dork and felon Scooter are the public face of the Republican George W. Bush Administration.
What a riot!
What
OH. MY. GOD. Schlozzie just got slapped by Shumer!
Schumer SLAPS the crap out of him!!! Did you EVER boast to anyone that you hired a conservative or a republican? Woot!!!
watch his hands, they are getting white, real white cutting off the blood!@
Schumer: Did you ever boast about hiring a certain number of conservatives …?
Schlozman: I don’t recall …?
Oh sh*t.
Oh, gawd!…..it’s getting sticky and I’m having to go to work…..
Is he really short, or are we just used to watching Comey? Somebody slip him a couple telephone books.
Oh BOY Whitehouse UP
Sheldon!
Schumer: Is it a contradiction when you contradict yourself? Alvin: No.
Q did you ever boast to anyone that you hired certain # repub for divisions of justice dpt
A yes
Q why if you said wasnt relevant
A not hired relevant
Q you said it wasnt but boasting, contradctn there
A no when i inherited voting section, aware significant problems, admin 4.1$ million sanctions, not have abuses
Q seems a contradiction to me pursue 2nd round
next shd be difi
but instead is
did schumer go after leahy? are there no republicans present for the hearing?
i missed a few minutes, did specter speak then?
Schumer: Did you ever violate the Hatch Act?
S: No
Schumer: Did you ever ‘cross the line’ like Monica?
S: No
Schumer: Did you have to get clearance from in order to hire AUSAs?
S: Yes
Schumer: Did you ever consider political affiliation in your hiring decisions?
S: No
Schumer: Have you ever considered these items in hiring AUSAs -
Loyalty to Pres?
How they voted in an election?
Policy positions?
Non-profit membership?
S: All No
Schumer: Were you aware of the hiring processes before Monica?
S: Yes
Schumer: Ever coach someone to strip out Repub info on resumes?
S: hemming and hawing, but Yes
Schumer: How many times?
S: About a dozen, can’t remember any names.
Schumer: Did you receive recommendations for hirings from the Republican National Lawyers Association?
S: Yes, but not sure of any specifics.
Schumer: Did you ever brag about how many Republicans you brought in?
S: Yes
Schumer: Why?
S: No contradiction between ‘no political hires’ and bragging ‘how many Republicans I brought in.
heez gonna cry afore this-z over….
The Dems have gotten it together. Finally. Treat these clowns like the juvenile delinquent they are.
Time for some grown up leadership.
Are the speech and memory centers of the brain close in proximity? That could explain his voice and memory BS, BS.
“I didn’t ask that question!”
Okay, we’re on to someone else…I missed who.
Oh wait. It’s Whitehouse.
Game over, Schlozman.
That would explain the fu manchu
Schumer: Now you’re saying that you were boasting about something that you said was irrelevant. Zing! Zap! Good job. Liar, liar, liar.
selise @ 160
No ‘Thugs in sight
He’s from Kansas. Follow the Yellow Brick Road… He’s a Lollipop kid!!!
Schlozman = Alvin
ROTFLMAO
Specter has not spoken yet.
dakine01 @ 168
excellent!!!
Whitehouse up.
Damn, this is good. Schlozman keeps cracking like the cheap bully he is.
these guys are seasoned attorney’s and this guy is a rookie, thats why he is failing and fast
The ReThugs have fled – BS is indefensible.
whitehouse have you even been to your district before being hired usAtty
A yes
Q ordered to change standards critical comments counter will of the front office in my 32years of mgt i was never asked to alter mhy performance eval WAS IT YOU to ordered him to
A yes on a number of occasions i ordered usu rating is ? official and..if i felt there were inaccuracies or needs for anything any changes to eval it wasmy respona as reviewing official
Q past 32 yrs never been done before people falling down on duties
A only speak for myself if i changed
Q he testified political different “politically favored” approved v other who were not
A -Mr Rich’s testimony i cant get into his head
Q did section chief of appellate actually refused to sign, people went without eval for a while
A i dont recall
OMG. Here we go.
I just don’t remember.
Over and over and over and over again.
Alvin bleating like a sheep.
Sen Whitehouse: What was your involvement with having Performance Reports changed on specific people?
S: Not sure, can’t recall
Sparkles the Iguana @ 155
I’m thinkin’ he’s shorter than I am (I claim 5′8″) and prol’ly outweighs me by 25 pounds (I’m 160)
DiFi up now.
Amy Goldstein’s final question and answer:
egregious & radiofreewill – THANKS!
Feinstein on the hunt now.
Are his little feet twisting miserably underneath the table?
are there no republicans there? why didn’t whitehouse have more questions? will there be a second round of questioning?
These guys need to be locked up in isolation with Momento playing in an endless loop.
DiFi: ever order removal of a section chie?
S: Yes we did
DiFi: Who?
S: voting section, criminal section
D: who specifically?
S: I dunno
DiFi: Get back to me with names…
they talk fast, he cant process the information that quick so his answers are bleeding blood. Its after the fact that he relizes his mistakes and lies
Man, they are kicking the shit out of this helium head!
newtonusr @ 183
Yeah…thanks a million!!! Or, maybe, $250k today..hehehehe
Y’know, I’m supposed to be painting the kid’s room right now…
This is way more interesting.
Stop repeating the question, Alvin. Here’s a look at Mr. Scholzman’s ’stache.
Englischlehrer @ 186
He went ahead of DiFi cuz he had to go to meeting…
really Monica – attractive?
I did use the adjective somewhat. I didn’t compare her to carmen electra…
selise @ 160
not unless he squeaked once. i can’t watch…
it’s like seeing a chipmunk slowly squashed…
i’m not kidding. our cats are all hyped up & looking around under the furniture for a rodent-like thingie… i should turn off the sound, but it’s hilarious…
Alvin: I don’t want to ID people I transferred or fired.
Wordsmith @ 193
He repeats the question in order to give himself more time to make up and answer.
test
Schlozman is wanting to deny delay obfuscate as he is TOAST on all his personnell moves
He’s trying to duck giving names but Leahy and DiFi won’t let it happen although DiFi willing to give him 48 hours to respond
he is a weasle! he will bring down the house with his intimidation from the pannel
newtonusr @ 25
The Computer Says Yes.
more time to make up an answer
He must have attended the Alberto Gonzales School of Testifying…and failed.
Leahy interrupted to slap him around again.
wow what a weasel.
Adie @ 196
chipmunks are cute.
and don’t make a mess of the DOJ.
A i didnt supervise in first 2 yrs but i did when i was acting i dont recal any incident like that
Whitehouse no further
Difi followup on Wh asked. at same time mr rich also testifd 4 section chief 2 dpy chf and counsel moved political reasons perceived disloyal
Did you ever removal section chief or suggest or carry out
A i believe i did yes
Q who
A wemade personnel changes # different sections. voting and criminal section
Q giveme #
A couple, few
Q refresh memory and submit in writing did you evetr order transfer section chief while serving civil rights division
A one time. chief of criminal
Q did you ordr transfer bob berman jan 2006
A when he was moved i wasno longer actg asst gen
Q wt was basis for transfer
A detail senrio exec service training pgm mr kim prof development he thought mr berman ideal fit for that office
Q did you ordertransfer ojut of appellate
A i did yes, senator those indiviudals are still within division im reluctant to name
Leahy legit q
difi ok may we get within 48 hrs
Q was any appellate transfer later reversed
A at leats one was allowed to return
Q ask for those names as well did you ever ask appellate to REMAIN SILENT about yr transfers of attorneys out of section
A i dont recall i explained to him he was section chief andhe shd be carrying out personnel moves as far as i know he made clear i was involved in those decisions
Q may 2005 you overruled todd graves authorized lawsuit against sec state alleged MO not remove reasonable effort remove ineligible voters fm rolls and you became us atty was was he asked to resign
A no ideai read in newspaper kansas city star
Q who made decision
A he was advised exec office US attys
Q did you not talk to anybody who made decision
A i didnt know about resignation
Alvin: I have no idea why Graves resigned, and I know nothing and had no involvement.
Wait a second. Schlozzie just admitted to reading a newspaper. Didn’t he tell Leahy he didn’t really read papers?
Shorter Schlozman (pun not intended): I don’t see how you can hold it against me that I told someone to stay quiet about my role, since he obviously squealed like a pig, frickin’ liberal.
They are asking Alvin about the Acorn indictment…
Are they going to ask him any questions that would require him to rat on Gonzo?
Or would he simply not recall any such information?
the acorn indiments! now that is funny…
Heres alvin with his acorn incitements!
Tryng to pass the ACORN indictments off on Craig Donsanto of Election crimes branch.
After he had pulsed/pushed to have it done in the first place.
2nd time Alvin has mentioned Craig Donciento(spelling?).
As JGabriel @ 173
Englischlehrer @ 195
Physically Monica is not repellent but her inner ugliness makes me nauseous. But I forget . . . God is on her side so her criminal activity must be okay.
Democrats and Republicans must love all this trial business. After all, it does distract from what they should be doing. That is, having impeachment hearings on Libby’s bosses. Cheney and Bush.
difi followup Q on acorn indictments. 4 workers voluntarily turned over evidence to investigation and yet shortly beofre the election you brought these indictments on page 61 of this book thats a no no why did you do that
A direction of director of public integrity section he said go forward in email craig donsciento hea of election crimes?
Q this is puzzling why this volume that you admitted US attys must be familiar with states v clearly most if not all investgan of election must wait til end 4 people, matter being taken care of locally and yet right before election files a case if it isnt for political reasons
A cooperation by acorn organizatin
chipmunk and ACORN
Donsanto-thanks, dakine!
Of course there are no GOPers… thankfully, since their presence would mean nothing, because they ask nothing. Perhaps Brad just isn’t as hot and in need of rescue by the Repub manly-men, unlike the lily-white almost virginal Monica.
God, these guys are *expert* finger-pointers.
Schlozman blames Craig Del Santo (?) for Schlozman bringing vote fraud charges on the eve of an election.
Did Leahy just say Feingold was next?
LS @ 211
Snot just flew out my nose…thank you very much!
i missed a q sorry
difi interrupts thats rather strange you raise
leahy why do you refuse to provide if not we’ll subpeona you and emails just so no question about it
Alvin: I can’t supply you with emails unless dept. says it’s ok.
Leahy picks-up on e-mail traffic discussion
Leahy asks for the e-mails
Alvin tries to put it on DoJ
Leahy ain’t buyin what he’s sellin
Feingold up
DiFi: Civil Rights Division had three section chief removed – who?
S: We made personnel changes in a number of different sections – voting, criminal – just a few changes.
DiFi: Did you ever order the transfer of a section chief (chief of criminal section)?
S: Yes
DiFi: Did you ever order the transfer of a career attorney out of the Appelate Division?
S: Yes
DiFi: Was any transfer of a career attorney you ordered ever reversed?
S: Yes
DiFi: Did you ever instruct the Division Chief to remain silent?
S: Hemming and hawing, not sure.
DiFi: You over-ruled Graves in ‘05 to authorize a law-suit against Missouri for Vote-fraud. Why was Graves asked to resign?
S: I don’t know why Graves resigned? I didn’t even know he resigned until I read it the papers.
DiFi: Re: Acorn investigation – you brought indictments prior to the election, against the rule book – why?
S: Director of Public Integrity Section (Craig Dunstansfeld?) told me to go ahead with the indictments.
DiFi: The rule book says wait until election is over. It must have been political.
S: No, we had urgent requests to investigate, so we asked PIS.
Leahy: Do you have any e-mails?
S: Yes, but the Department has control of them.
Leahy: We’ll be subpoenaing you and your e-mails.
Leahy threatening Alvin w/ subpeenies for emails.
RonD @ 221
I amy be wrong with that
Have to take a 45 min break! Rats!
Leahey: ALVIN!!!!!
The testimony these guys give makes me wonder if there’s a contagious form of amnesia (or early sudden-onset Alzheimer’s; no disrespect to genuine cases of either is intended).
russ feingold, recommending people as republicans or conservaties
A i received resumes fm many organizations
Q did you ask for repu conser resumes
A we did outreach
Q you never said we wanted conser repub
A i never said that
Q read names leo exec president of federalist society
A i dont recall getting resumes fm federalist society
radiofreewill @ 232
gotcha.
New thread…
It is interesting that the rethugs have not even bothered to show up for this hearing. If they guy wasn’t such a creep I’d feel sorry for him.
LiberalsRule @ 222
Monica’s playboys were the House JC with all the apologists
Senate JC has a lot of PO’d Goopers that are making a statement by NOT being here to run interference
TR @ 192
Put the lid back on that can, NOW! And back away. Trust me, this is not the time… ;->
the best part so far is leahy saying:
You’re amazing.
P J Evans @ 234
Funny that he remembers so many details about his glowing career accomplishments but not so much about stuff the committee is actually interested in hearing.
I put up a fresh thread, gang. My computer crashed out there for a bit — sorry about the gap. Thanks so much to everyone for picking this up in the comments while I wrestled with my laptop.
earler he stated he did not get referals from others …he justed lied lehey asked that question and then finegold
Watching C-Span 3, first time I’ve ever heard Schlozman speak.
I’m just wondering if he’s been gulping down some helium gas?
High-pitched voice. Definitely lying. Definitely squirming around the truth, obstructing justice by withholding information.
What a weasel.
I can’t believe how much better the SJC is at this than is the HJC.
Competence makes for pleasant viewing (and much less yelling at my poor computer screen).
Alvin to Feingold: “I don’t recall” count-5 so far.
cough = tell ?
A i might have gotten rec fm fed soc
Q phelan
A no
Q ?
A got rec someone for spec asst US atty in Kansas city for mr bloch we didnt hire
Q WH tenure liaison 2005
A i dont recall getting resumes or rec fm her
Q monica
A i dont recall
Q sampson
A PAUSE um not for an atty i do believe rec for a non atty staff summer i dont believe atty
Q siposka
A was my boss so plenty recs and referrals
Q mikovsky
A voting counsel civil rights div and yes # resumes
Q ty lets to go acorn issues. 4 indictments you served you confirmed acorn itself providede names of people indicted. true these indictments were not the results of ongoing investigat but acorn self report
A national investi i cant talk about. statments made public integtrty section doj
Q not a result of national investigaan but self report
A i cant talk about that
Q acorn self reported how can it be part of national investign if they self report
A i cant talk about it statment in media at direction of public integrity sectoin
Q did you find conspiracy acorn orother anywhere in country
A no
Q all defendents were not interviewed pre indictment true?
A rule 16. individual was dismissed we ended up charging 4th indiv charged with ID theft
Q testifyd to “i didnt think it wd have any effect on the election” and surprise. read exerpt republican MO 2006 very disturbing left wing cause chaos try to steal next wks election assault on election legit ballots wont be cancalled out by fraudulent.,
would you say this was intneded to affect voters decision
A i cant
Q doesnt that sound like trying to persuade about election
A improper for me to characterz his testimony
THanks Christy.
WE should apologize. It’s impossible to resist.
We MUST find a film of this(!)
oh #*&# Now Feingold’s starting with a “sympathy-cough” sorta thing, much like wiping your lip while talking to a person you see has a sprig of salad on his face. egad.
a true classic!
Leahy spanking Schloz for being so unprepared.
He prepared with Hulk Hogan?
“The beatings will continue until the quality of the answers improves.”
Leahy lulling Alvin into a sorta stupor.
Like a grade B horror flick.
u just want to SCREAM to the guy.
AROUND THE NEXT CORNER! DON’T GO THERE!
WAKE UP!
ah… heckwithit…
THWACK!
Alvin tries to wake back up in time.
It’s just too late. too too late…
Leahy makes a marvelous leopard (!)
oops. one last wiggle or so from Alvin, but it’s all over. Al’s stammering in double-negatives at 1/3 the speed of his initial presentation. pitiful…
the carcass is hung & draining.
Leahy hands the mop to Feinstein & walks out to take part in a floor vote.
Feinstein finds a few stubborn stains left in corners here & there, and takes an extra swipe at em.
Not much left…
[break]
Is that Abu behind that macho fu manchu? I couldn’t believe that was his voice and I thought about checking my audio settings, but then I heard Leahy, and I just sat back and laughed.
Leahy: You can provide the emails and letters voluntarily or, I guarantee you, you will be back here with a subpoena. I’ll give you the choice.
If nobody said it yet, Leahy might be pissed cuz this guy delayed appearance fo2 2 weeks; one week for his precious proviously calandered vacation week, in which I think he was out of country.
Leahy!
What a grilling… Brad is starting to char, better turn him over.
Crikey, it is obvious the GOP deliberately placed inexperienced (and pliable) people in key positions, and used them. When, dear God, are these people going to wake up and smell the coffee, and get pissed off?! They were given an opportunity people with years of experience don’t get… are they that dense or so full of their idealogy that they didn’t wonder about that?! This is exasperating.