It would seem so... but one only has to look at the Wilson/Plame/Cooper affair to see how it's not.
I think it depends on the approach. If you want to make it difficult (because you don't want to offend anyone, after all), it can become nearly impossible. I'm betting it could be done, if only the will to do so were there.
The Plame affair got out of hand because Bush stated at the git-go he would let the investigation take its course. That's where Clinton was so much the smarter politican than Bush. He would be out front criticizing his critics and working in support of his people. Bush is content to let things drag on forever, and from his Mount Olypus he can observe (if indeed he does care) from his perch far above the political fray. History books will write about George Bush: like Father, like son.