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."

[nuffsenuff]

Hatch is pretty close to being 100% right on this.

Although he should be a lot tougher on Rockefeller.

[gunnedah]

The good old Senate believes in taking care of each other.
The Republicans will can one of their own and support the enemy. This should also be counted as Political Treason.
I just think the Republicans are cowards.

[onyx]

FGS. No guts, no glory. Shame on Orrin Hatch, and the other GOP toads. Do they not read their e-mail? Do they not receive their messages?

[Redcat]

Paging Orrin Hatches's spine!

Orrin Hatches's spine, please return to Orrin's body as soon as possible!

[af_vet_1981]

Sen. Hatch is funny as he sets up Sen. Rockefeller, nobly defending him until the hammer falls. They all know he is guilty as sin. Perhaps the price will be some judges. I'd rather see him exposed for treason or sedition.

[Robert A Cook PE]

Oh my! (Shock and awe in voive....)

(Clasps chest in stunned dismay....)

"Serious disapproval" is such a strong punishment. Shirley he doesn't deserve taht, does he?

/sarcasm

[PhilipFreneau]

Orrin Hatch is a wimp.

[Sabertooth]

Hatch is a metrosexual.

[Taliesan]

Hatch is pretty close to being 100% right on this.

Although he should be a lot tougher on Rockefeller.

Other than the gunshot wound to the head your husband is fine, Mrs. Lincoln.

[Lee Heggy]

"I happen to love Zell Miller"

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

No, it wouldn't be right. I say make up your mind and commit to the one who really has your heart Senator. You can't keep such sweet and innocent fellow Senators on tenterhooks now can you? Just do the right thing.

[danneskjold]

Sounds like the Republicans are going to be breaking out the "comfy chair and soft cushions" pretty soon...

[Taliesan]

Nothing will come of this. Nothing.

Think of it. The memo is "near treason" and the penalty for that, in the US Senate, is to be "criticized".

Senators are useless.

[Prince Caspian]

What a wimp. I wonder if he apologizes to his wife for getting out of bed in the morning. As they say, "Never count your Hatch before he chickens."

[caisson71]

Hatch is DEAD WRONG. I'm sure "serious criticism" is all Rockefeller expects from gutless Republicans. Screw Democrats or Republicans, we're talking about the lives of our men and women, sons and daughters. These treasonous acts must not be taken lightly!!

[BSunday]

I haven'nt received one word of reply from either of my senators. I didn't think it before, but I guess Sen Hatch is a great big wuss.

[thiscouldbemoreconfusing]

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...

I think the reason Zell never became a Republican is because they are so wishy washy when it come to standing up and doing what is right, if it means getting tough with a democrat.

[Saundra Duffy]

That'll be the day when the Senate Republicans actually get pissed and do something about ANYTHING!

[clintonh8r]

Although he should be a lot tougher on Rockefeller

Gee....you think so? Hatch is a total buttboy to Rockefeller, Leahy, and every other RAT in the senate. Is there one Republican in the senate who has even a trace of courage and is willing to do battle with the RATs? Orrin wouldn't want to offend anybody, dontcha know....might not get invited to the best cocktail parties.

[Laserman]

I just sent a note to Hatch telling him he needs to get a backbone and hold these treasonous Dems accountable. You too can give him some encouragement through his website. We need to NOT let this fade away!