Hmm.... Even Repubs are freaking out over FBI raid on Jefferson's office

[BurtWorm]

They see it as a separations problem... So they say.

What's going on here? I haven't been paying close attention. Anyone?

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Congressman-Probe.html?hp&ex=1148443200&en=18f27ff0909ac9a3&ei=5094&partner=homepage

House Leaders Question F.B.I. Search

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The FBI's weekend search of the House office of a Louisiana Democrat under investigation for bribery may have overstepped constitutional boundaries, House leaders said as the congressman under investigation pledged to stay in office.

House Majority Leader John Boehner of Ohio told reporters Tuesday that the Congress will somehow speak to ''this issue of the Justice Department's invasion of the legislative branch. In what form, I don't know.''

''I've got to believe at the end of the day it's going to end up across the street at the Supreme Court,'' Boehner said.

House Speaker Dennis Hastert said the Justice Department had never before crossed a line that separates Congress from the executive branch by searching a congressional office while investigating a member of Congress.

Justice Department officials, meanwhile, said Tuesday the decision to search Rep. William Jefferson's office was based in part on Jefferson's refusal to comply with a subpoena for documents that was issued last summer. Jefferson reported the subpoena to the House of Representatives on Sept. 15.

[Rose Siding]

1. Here's some discussion on the subject

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x1266753

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=2641914&mesg_id=2641914

[BurtWorm]

6. Thanks.

:toast:

[Epiphany4z]

2. can't blame them

with so many of them under investigation...gee what are they worried about if they have done nothing wrong?:sarcasm:

I have to say I agree with them but I find it funny that is what it took to finally get there panties in frist.

[MADem]

3. Well, they know where they stash THEIR shit, so they're nervous! n/t

[myrna minx]

5. How do congresspeople discreetly wheelbarrow stuff out of their

offices? :shrug: :evilgrin:

[MADem]

10. In their skivvies, like Fawn Hall! n.t

[Kagemusha]

4. They say exec. branch can't search a legislative office, warrant or no.

Keep in mind a judge signed off on a warrant but we don't know why.

The standard on paper is that there is not to be interference in the conduct of a legislator's official duties. Some on DU consider bribery and other corrupt activity traditionally considered by Congress (for its own reputation and sanctity) to not be official duties, to in fact, be official duties after all and therefore, the executive branch has no right to seek evidence in the matter since it's just a political operation against a Democrat and nothing more, and therefore Jefferson is innocent, simply because of separation of powers and that he cannot be rightfully touched. Others argue more narrowly that his congressional offices are absolutely off limits under the constitution and nothing else matters, ever, the executive branch simply cannot set foot inside that hallowed ground.

Again, a judge signed off on it, for reasons Attorney General Alberto Gonzales is not sharing with us at present.

[Catherine Vincent]

7. hmm...exactly

Ole William Jefferson may be a blessing in disguise.

[AX10]

8. Here's why:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x1266753

[BurtWorm]

9. Just saw it, thanks.