WH officials had lengthy debate before deciding to call visitor records confidential(back to * Sr)

[maddezmom]

~snip~
The Bush administration has exploited that different treatment of records between the two laws, which prompted the fight in federal court. The administration is seeking dismissal of the lawsuits.

In trying to get the cases thrown out, the Justice Department has filed documents in court outlining a behind-the-scenes debate over whether Secret Service records are subject to public disclosure. The discussions date back at least to the administration of President Bush's father and involve the Justice Department and the National Archives as well as the White House and Secret Service.

The government's court filings show that the Bush White House focused on the issue in the months before Election Day 2004.

Discussions moved into high gear when the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal prompted news organizations and private groups to demand that the administration release Secret Service records of visitors to the White House complex and the vice president's residence.

There was precedent for the demands.

During the Clinton administration, Republican-controlled congressional committees obtained Secret Service visitor logs while conducting investigations of the president and first lady.

more:http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070602/NEWS/706020363

[jimshoes]

1. I would expect them to fight like

the cornered rats they are but I don't think there is enough tape, bubble gum, baling wire, or super glue to keep the bad ship bushco afloat for much longer. Every day someone else bails out and June will see a number of hearings that will assuredly bring more of the cabal's criminality to light. The beans are spilling out already and it's only a matter of time before even the fawning media has a "holy cow" moment. Then it will be Katie bar the door and popcorn time for many months.