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."

[RogueIsland]

Sen. Rockefeller Risks 'Serious Criticism' for Memogate

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

[Sacajaweau]

Hatch doesn't want to accuse Rockefeller directly which leaves us with the smell of "crusty" in the bckground, the all-knowing, all-controlling, all-wielding, power hungry monster. Would she sacrifice Rockefeller. You bet!!

[Bryan24]

Orin Hatch needs to be introduced to something called "The Killer Instinct".

[NutCrackerBoy]

The major media in this country . . . is always on [the Democrats'] side and they don't ever get called to account. If [Republicans] did something like that it would be front page headlines all over the country. You know that. - Senator Orrin Hatch

How true that is. That's the one thing about this affair that has my blood boiling the most.

[clintonh8r]

Sen Hatch is funny as he sets up Sen Rockefeller...

You must be kidding. This will all be forgotten by Monday. By then Orrin will be sucking up to Leahy again, abdicating his "leadership" of the judiciary comittee.

[BJungNan]

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

My gosh, the Republicans are getting tough now. Serious Criticism! Wow, that ought to find Rockefeller shaking.

[MrConfettiMan]

ROTFLMAO! Hatch is f'in moron and a spineless turd. Why do the people of Utah keep electing him to the Senate? Oh, right, the same reason the people of Massachusetts keep electing Ted Kennedy...and the people of Pennsylvania keep electing Arlen Specter...and the people of West Virginia keep electing Robert Byrd. Should I keep going? /rhetorical

[Lee Heggy]

Agreed.

[Hank Rearden]

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."

Ooooohhhhh, Orrin, you're such a studly guy - fighting the good fight to the bitter end.

So, how's that "limited government" thingie you Republicrats promised coming along? You know, all the freedom that'd be restored once Republicrats were in charge of, say, the White House, Senate and House?

How's all that doing, Orrin?

We're waiting . . . . . . .

[William McKinley]

It is true that there is media bias. But it isn't just that. Democrats get their stories covered by howling like screaming banshees. They demand their stories be covered, and take steps (like walking out) to ensure that their stories get covered.

Republicans, I am ashamed to admit, whine and take it.

[kedd]

I have to wonder what the heck the dems have on Hatch that makes him so afraid to be critical. Pictures perhaps? Is he a little too friendly with neighborhood children? Something is wrong with this guy and I'm beginning to think it may have something to do with those FBI files.

[linn37]

rockefellers scared,real scared,not.

[onyx]

Me neither. Not a word. Pitiful and disgusting.

I am left to only hope that they're doing further investigation --- setting the ducks all in a row --- before they "level" the democrats. I'm a dreamer.

[JohnBovenmyer]

Steyn has the explanation for Hatch here although in his case the cause was Sen. Kennedy rather than Sen. Clinton.

[BJungNan]

I have to wonder what the heck the dems have on Hatch...?

FBI FILES

[mass55th]

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

Oh yeah, that'll leave a mark. I bet old Jay is just shaking in his boots.

[Lee Heggy]

"Why do the people of Utah keep electing him to the Senate?"

There's something about how he looks so...um...stuffed in a high collared shirt with that angry sparrow glint in his eye..it's simply irresistable to folks in Utah. As for the others well, maybe the respective gene pools of their electorates should be looked into.

[af_vet_1981]

No it will not be forgotten. The question is how to treat the crime. If it were a straightforward crime, they could refer it to the AJ. It was political strategy on the part of the Democrat opposition, who would seat Saddam Hussein in their caucus if it would unseat President Bush in 2004. The Republican party, whose base is not primarily comprised of traitors like the Democrat base, must actually govern the country according to law and defend the Republic from all enemies, foreign and domestic. It's quite a challenge.

[FastCoyote]

I'm so frustrated I just want to give Hatch an atomic wedgie.

[onyx]

Thank you for the link.

Orrin is devoid of a killer instinct. No wonder nice guy finish last.