UPI: Lobby scandal also concerns White House

[PhilipShore]

United Press International
Lobby scandal also concerns White House
2/8/2006

http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?StoryID=20060208-093702-8560r

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- An attorney for a former White House aide said her client is being "squeezed" by prosecutors so he would testify against others in the U.S. lobbyist scandal.

Former aide David Safavian has been changed with lying about a golf trip he took with lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who has pleaded guilty to a series of charges related to his lobby activities. The Wall Street Journal said the Safavian case shows how the investigation, which has roiled Capitol Hill, reverberates in the White House.

"This case is about the government squeezing David Safavian," said attorney Barbara Van Gelder, who also told the newspaper the charges were an attempt to pressure Safavian into testifying against other suspects.

[napi21]

1. So WHAT'S the story here? That's the way things are always done!

You snag the minnow, then use that minnow as bait for the bigger, and bigger fish, and just work your way up the ladder till you get the BIG Barracuda!!!!!

[drm604]

2. No story.

Just his lawyer trying to spin it as unfair tactics. They're mistreating her poor Beleaguered client, boo hoo hoo. :cry:

[f-bush]

3. It should concern them

I hope it brings down their administration!!

[rodeodance]

4. good, be sure to squeeze em real tight.

[Tanuki]

5. "Squeeze"?

Odd choice of words. It sounds instead like the prosecutors are offering to go easy on his punishment for perjury if he will cooperate with their investigation, instead of continuing to obstruct it with lies. Maybe Safavian ought to consider hiring a different attorney...one who isn't just as big a liar as he is.