Bush Commutes Scooter Libby's Prison Sentence

[DudeAsInCool]

WASHINGTON - President Bush commuted the sentence of former White House aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby on Monday, sparing him from a 2 1/2-year prison term that Bush said was excessive. Bush's move came hours after a federal appeals panel ruled Libby could not delay his prison term in the CIA leak case.

...Bush left intact a $250,000 fine and two years probation for Libby, and Bush said his action still "leaves in place a harsh punishment for Mr. Libby."

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[Shawn]

That doesn't actually surprise anyone does it?

All of the presidents do that.

[DudeAsInCool]

That doesn't actually surprise anyone does it?

All of the presidents do that.

a little bit...his polls are so low that its a risk. apparently only 20 percent approve...if that high. so the dems are gonna take high advantage of it

[DudeAsInCool]

Valerie Plames husband, Ambassador Wilson & Prosecutor Fitzpatrick respond

Patrick Fitzgerald:

We fully recognize that the Constitution provides that commutation

decisions are a matter of presidential prerogative and we do not

comment on the exercise of that prerogative.

We comment only on the statement in which the President termed the

sentence imposed by the judge as “excessive.” The sentence in this

case was imposed pursuant to the laws governing sentencings which

occur every day throughout this country. In this case, an experienced

federal judge considered extensive argument from the parties and then

imposed a sentence consistent with the applicable laws. It is

fundamental to the rule of law that all citizens stand before the bar

of justice as equals. That principle guided the judge during both the

trial and the sentencing.

Although the President’s decision eliminates Mr. Libby’s sentence of

imprisonment, Mr. Libby remains convicted by a jury of serious

felonies, and we will continue to seek to preserve those convictions

through the appeals process.

[slum_goddess]

a little bit...his polls are so low that its a risk. apparently only 20 percent approve...if that high. so the dems are gonna take high advantage of it

i'm holding my breath for this --- not.