Important update regarding Plame grand jury

[lancdem]

Investigative reporter Wayne Madsen, whom I've been corresponding with via email, told me that the Plame grand jury has been extended through July at the request of prosecutor Fitzgerald. This explains why there've been no indictments. It's obvious Fitzgerald wants the journalists' testimony (the hearing yesterday was about that) before wrapping up the investigation.

My sense is, their testimony would be icing on the cake. Given the impact this case could have, especially if high-level people are implicated, Fitzgerald must make sure any indictments have as much evidence behind them as possible because they'll certainly be fought by the WH.

[Justice]

1. Thank you for The Update

And word on when the judge will rule on yesterday's hearing?

[merh]

2. I thought the term had been extended. Thanks for the update.

(eom)

[lancdem]

5. Within a few weeks, I think

I hope not long.

[GreenPartyVoter]

3. So we are looking at August now?

[swag]

6. Just in time for the RNC, maybe?

[lancdem]

8. Or as soon as the journalists' subpoenas fight is resolved

It appears that's the only thing holding this up.

[GreenPartyVoter]

9. Thanks. :^)

[swag]

4. Wasn't the hearing on the press subpoena earlier this week?

Anybody got any poop on that?

Thank you.

[lancdem]

7. It was yesterday

There's a thread or two on it. A guy from the N.Y. Times discussed it on the NewsHour. I believe he thought the journalists' case was weak.

[Stephanie]

14. Yes, he said they could probably be compelled

He thought the judge would render a decision in about two weeks. He said one journalist from the WaPo did testify. He said some WH sources had signed releases, releasing reporters from confidentiality promises.

[nixonwasbetterthanW]

15. what about appeals?

This could be litigated all the way to the top, right? Assuming the intermediate courts grant stays, this could become a Cheney task force marathon, no?

[Ugnmoose]

10. Important question

Does Madsen have any idea when the judge will rule on the subpoena issue and if it goes against the media would they appeal. If they did appeal would that delay the indictments further.

[lancdem]

13. I don't know

I can't imagine Fitzgerald wants this to go on forever.

[Cush]

11. starting to think nothing will come of this

hope I'm wrong

[lancdem]

12. I'm actually more confident

Fitzgerald is being as through as possible. At least that's my opinion.

[warrior1]

16. kick

I needed to read this. Thanks

[Waverley_Hills_Hiker]

17. Me, too....this seems like his last chance.

Since Fitz probably knew the J\journos and their news organizations would fight this this would be the final opportunity to get someone to talk. If Fitz had someone to talk, earlier, he wouldnt be pursuing the journos the way he is, forcing this "freedom of the press" fight.

I think this is not going to be the big deal i was hoping it would be.

[Ugnmoose]

18. Check out credentials of Patrick Fitzgerald

This is one tough prosecutor. He might have been appointed by GWB to be U.S. Attorney but his track -record is no nonsense.
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/iln/patrickjfizgerald.html