Executive Privilege? I don't think so!

A federal judge (a federal judge appointed by “President” Bush in 2001 and then appointed to the FISA court by Bush-nominated SCOTUS John Roberts in 2006 no less) has caused shockwaves in DC as he ruled today that former White House COS Josh Bolten and former White House counsel Harriet Miers must comply with Congress’ request.

Score!

What’s even more maddening for the administration is the fact that this judge, in the past, has handed down rulings that have helped cover-up their wrongdoings including, but certainly not limited to; the decision that allowed the administration to refuse to release documents on their illegal wiretapping program… ruled that Dick Cheney did not need to turn over notes and attendees from his energy task force meetings… and ruled against outed CIA agent Valerie Plame. To which I say; Karma, baby!

Let’s review… back in June, after Bolten and Miers refused to comply with congressional investigations into the U.S. Attorneys scandal, the DOJ made the ridiculous claims that “that senior presidential advisers are absolutely immune from congressional subpoenas.”

Judge John Bates disagreed with that, saying “there’s no legal support for that stance” and “aides can be subpoenaed” and therefore, Bolten and Miers must comply with Congress. Judge Bates went on to say; “Harriet Miers is not immune from compelled congressional process; she is legally required to testify pursuant to a duly issued congressional subpoena.”

Score two!

Judge Bates also said that Miers AND Bolten must give Congress all non-privileged documents related to the firings.

Score three!

If AG Mike “Don’t call me an albatross” Mukasey doesn’t enforce both a congressional contempt citation and a validating court decision, then HE should be held in contempt… literally and figuratively.

And House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) didn’t waste any time picking up from Judge Bates’; decision, releasing a statement that says he looks “forward to the White House complying with this ruling and to scheduling future hearings with Ms. Miers and other witnesses who have relied on such claims.”

All of this is fine and good, but now is the time when House Democrats must be aggressive and unfailing. Anything that the Dems can do to throw light on the cockroaches in this administration needs to be done with expedience prior to November… and this should be a central part of their talking points.

The chips are starting to fall…