Rove Ignores Subpoena, Refuses To Testify
WASHINGTON (AP) – Karl Rove is defying a congressional subpoena and refusing to testify about charges of political pressure at the Justice Department.
The former adviser to President Bush was subpoenaed in May in an effort to force him to talk about whether he played a role in firing federal prosecutors considered disloyal to the administration.
Rove had been scheduled to appear this morning at a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing. A placard with his name sat in front of an empty chair at the witness table.
The panel’s chairwoman ruled that Rove was breaking the law by refusing to cooperate.
A decision on whether to pursue contempt charges now goes to the full Judiciary Committee and ultimately to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
The White House has claimed executive privilege, arguing that Congress cannot compel officials to testify.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
