No Holiday Pardon for 'Scooter' Libby

AP via SFGate ^ | 12/11/7 | LARA JAKES JORDAN, Associated Press Writer

[SmithL]

WASHINGTON, (AP) -- President Bush granted pardons Tuesday to carjackers, drug dealers, a moonshiner and an election-laws violator but not to I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, his vice president's former top aide who was convicted in the case of the leaked identity of a CIA operative.

In all, Bush pardoned 29 convicts and reduced the prison sentence of one more in the end-of-the-year presidential tradition.

Justice Department spokesman Erik Ablin said Bush has granted 142 pardons and commuted five sentences since taking office in 2001 — lagging far behind the pace set by most modern presidents.

The list was issued with little fanfare Tuesday afternoon by the Office of the Pardon Attorney at the Justice Department. Bush was not expected to issue any more pardons this year.

In July, Bush commuted Libby's 2 1/2 year sentence, sparing Vice President Dick Cheney's former chief of staff from serving any prison time after being convicted of perjury and obstructing justice. Libby, who recently dropped appeals to have his convictions overturned, has paid a $250,000 fine and remains on two years probation.

Libby was the only person to face criminal charges in the case of the 2003 leak of then-CIA operative Valerie Plame's identity. Plame, who has since left the CIA, contends the White House was trying to discredit her husband, a critic of Bush's Iraq policy.

A pardon amounts to federal forgiveness for one's crime, while a commutation cuts short an existing prison term.

[SmithL]

Yesterday's News: Libby to Drop Appeal in CIA Leak Case

[spectre]

We could have what we want in a candidate if only Hunter would run like our lives depend on it. We can't do it alone.

I'm sick of the corruption, lies and deceit I've been witnessing.

And trust me, Digger, I learned my lesson voting for Bush and Huckabee. Two big mistakes.

sw

[wardaddy]

nobody told me Tuesday was pardon day dangit

[wardaddy]

Only one Bush pardoned was a really serious criminal...the coke dealer who did 235 months....he served the minimum on a ten spot bit.... apparently a 100 key minimum...must have been some real weight at least

Clinton on the other hand pardoned some serious criminals like he was just getting a blow job ...easy

[Guenevere]

spectre, my friend, it sounds like you're putting the onus on Hunter...."if only Hunter would run like our lives depend on it"

What can he do that he hasn't done or tried to do...

..they keep shutting him out.

He was just on O'Reilly, sounding strong and forceful....he's trying!

It appears we have a corrupt system.

[Nuc1]

I suggest an alternative strategy. Let the people vote before wringing your hands in defeat.

[Guenevere]

I'm not defeated but the bad news keeps piling up.

However, you have a point :)

[freema]

I don’t want pardons. I want murtha at the end of a rope or a firing squad.

[ken21]

wonder why the pubies don’t fight back,

like investigate fitzpatrick?

[navyguy]

Bush is OWNED by the Mexican government.

[Nuc1]

Let us see. I do dislike the front loaded primary though. It gives the establishment too much power. I look forward to the votes. Always interesting and I suspect there will be surprises. :D)

[Guenevere]

Indeed...it’s not over!