Hatch Warning: Sen. Rockefeller Risks 'Serious Criticism' for Memogate

NewsMax.com ^ | Friday Nov. 7, 2003 | Carl Limbacher and NewsMax.com Staff

[jmstein7]

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Ut., said Thursday that Sen. Zell Miller, D-Ga, was right to charge this week that a memo outlining plans by Senate Intelligence Committee Democrats to politicize Iraq war intelligence borders on "treason."

But the Utah Republican defended the committee's ranking Democrat, Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-WV, saying he shouldn't have to resign as the committee's vice chairman even if he's found have authorized staffers to prepare the bombshell document.

Asked about Sen. Miller's comment on Wednesday that the memo was "treason's first cousin" and that "heads should roll" over the episode, Sen. Hatch told radio host Sean Hannity, "I happen to love Zell Miller and I do agree with that because bad intelligence results in the deaths of Democrats and Republicans - in other words, our people."

But Hatch refused to call for disciplinary action against ranking Democrat Rockefeller, recommending instead that Republicans "publicly ask the Democrats how they reconcile [preparing such a memo] with the critical need for non-partisanship."

When Hannity said that his sources had identified Rockefeller as being responsible for the memo, Sen. Hatch turned defensive.

Noting that the West Virginia Democrat "has worked pretty well with [Committee Chairman] Pat Roberts," the Utah Republican said, "I really doubt that Sen. Rockefeller would have anything to do with trying to make [the Committee's investigation] that partisan."

Asked what would happen if it turned out that Rockefeller was implicated in the memo scandal, Hatch replied, "Well, it's a serious issue. I mean, it would be, you know - he would be seriously criticized if that were the case."

"I like Sen. Rockefeller very much but, I mean, that wouldn't be right," he added.

Despite the national security breach, Hatch said it would be unwise for the White House to stop cooperating with committee Democrats, saying he feared that the press wouldn't permit it.

"The can't [stop cooperating] because the major media in this country . . . is always on [the Democrats'] side and they don't ever get called to account," he complained. "If [Republicans] did something like that it would be front page headlines all over the country. You know that."

[NYC Republican]

Kyl says that document is definitely legit, and is asking people to call Washington!!

[eyespysomething]

Oh no! Not serious criticism! That's only one step short of the ultimate weapon: the "sternly worded official note".

in the strongest possible terms

[OXENinFLA]

Yeah, I think.

It's been awhile since I watched "Mr. Smith goes to Washington."

[Wait4Truth]

What's the number? I'm game.

[woodyinscc]

Reid: Wants "factual basis" for every single thing that the President said.

I hope the voters in Nev. are following this, this poor excuse for a Sen. only won by 500+ votes. We have to rid the Senate of these vermin.

[NYC Republican]

Your Senator's number should be on his/her web-site

[Mo1]

Here is the number for the US Capitol......you can ask for any elected official.........1-877-762-8762

[edsheppa]

I say put Rockefeller on double secret probation until he's learned his lesson.

[OXENinFLA]

[StriperSniper]

Dang! I guess it didn't work!

It was in response to the bishop/queen line.

Cut and paste this URL in a new window:

http://angelsofparadise.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/rimshot.wav

[Judith Anne]

Kyle is on Hannity's radio show saying that everyone's emails, faxes and phones calls are making a difference!

FREEPERS RULE!!! WE ARE AWESOME!!! Keep up the good work, and remember: ROCKEFELLER MUST RESIGN!

[cars for sale]

no no no...it was on C=SPAN(ing for democrats)
last night....we had Kay-Baily, Arlen,Santorum,
others and it was awesome....line by line how we win
and when......print it done....3 or 4 judges in next week late


but this memo goes to HILLARY and no one is saying it out loud yet

[mewzilla]

who cares how it was obtained,whats important is what it said!

Well, this is kinda funny actually. Because the Dems can't say the Pubbies did this then turn around and get medieval on the Dem who really leaked it. If the leaker is a Dem, they just handed him a get-out-of-jail-free card since now they can't blame him without proving themselves liars.

[abner]

Kyle .. Next week they ARE going for a Filibuster .. YEAAAA!!!

I'll believe it when I see it. Remember last years supposed filibuster? I do. They got our hopes up and caved, caved, caved!

[caisson71]

Good for you. I guess those of us over 60 understand what words mean and anything less than straight talk is BS and not appreciated.

[Wait4Truth]

LOL! My senators are Feingold and Kohl. I emailed them but they don't answer Republicans, anyway. I want to speak to someone that will care about my wrath.

[StriperSniper]

See Post#171

[woodyinscc]

I just gave Boxer and Feinstein an earful. Even though they are not on the committee, I think we ought to lambast them all. In essence they are all complicit.!!

[Sacajaweau]

It sounded like a modified filibuster - 30 hours of debate.