Lawyers who investigated Maxine Waters' ethics case are suspended

[suffragette]

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-waters-ethics-20101202,0,4419782.story
The ethics case against Rep. Maxine Waters took a new turn Wednesday when it was learned that two House Ethics Committee lawyers who investigated the Los Angeles Democrat had been placed on administrative leave.

It was unclear whether the committee's action against Morgan Kim, the panel's deputy chief counsel, and Stacey Sovereign, another committee lawyer, was related to their work in the Waters case.

But Waters said the action raised questions about the case against her.

"Something has gone wrong in the ethics process," she said. "The committee must reveal immediately the circumstances that prompted its action."


More background from TPM:
http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/12/report_house_ethics_lawyers_kept_probing_waters_after_investigation_phase_ended.php
Report: House Ethics Lawyers Kept Probing Waters After Investigation Phase Ended
Ryan J. Reilly | December 2, 2010, 9:30AM
Two former federal prosecutors who were suspended from the House ethics committee -- both of whom previously worked for Republican appointed judges -- reportedly kept probing allegations against Rep. Maxine Waters even after the subcommittee recommended the California Democrat be tried for ethics violations.
~~~
Sovereign had clerked for then-Judge Kenneth Starr on the D.C. Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, while Kim worked for Judge Kenneth L. Ryskamp, an appointee of President George H.W. Bush.
~~~
Waters had plenty of questions about the dismissal of the two lawyers.

"Did the Committee's attorneys withhold exculpatory evidence? Leak documents or speak to the press without authorization? Engage in partisan activity? Mislead Members of Congress? Was the disciplinary action justified? What impact does this have on my case?" Waters said in a statement.

[midnight]

1. I agree with Maxine Waters.... They should explain to her what is going on.

What is the significance when a lawyer/prosecutor is dismissed from a case ?

[suffragette]

2. I'm with Maxine as well

I'm wondering the same about significance.
I also wonder about this being delayed - would that push it to next year and what are the implications of that?

[sabrina 1]

4. That's a good question.

So far it seems the Ethics panel has not revealed why they were kicked off the case. Maxine Waters wants to know that also. Eg, if they were withholding exculpatory evidence, or releasing leaks to the media for political purposes etc. as she pointed out, the public has a right to know.

Whatever the reason, it doesn't look good for the case when prosecuting attorneys have to be fired. But she should keep publicly asking for the reasons. Everyone should.

[sabrina 1]

3. Another political prosecution it seems.

And a Kenneth Starr protege on the case.

She has an absolute right to know what is going on. She should keep pressuring them to get this done now, or dismiss the whole sham.

Looks like they are trying to rid Congress of any liberal voices left.

Glad to hear about these developments.

K&R for Maxine.

[suffragette]

5. It certainly looks that way

and has from the start:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=8870637&mesg_id=8891462

She has been pressing, which is why she was the one who pressed for the hearing and wanted to clear this now.

And, yep, on top of all that a Kenneth Starr trainee. Who better to conduct a drawn-out "investigation" while feeding constant insinuations to the media.

And now, it's all delayed - till when? The Republicans take over the House again?

[avaistheone1]

6. Could the suspended lawyers

be Bush holdovers?

[sabrina 1]

7. Seems they are Republicans

Two former federal prosecutors who were suspended from the House ethics committee -- both of whom previously worked for Republican appointed judges -- reportedly kept probing allegations against Rep. Maxine Waters even after the subcommittee recommended the California Democrat be tried for ethics violations.
~~~
Sovereign had clerked for then-Judge Kenneth Starr on the D.C. Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, while Kim worked for Judge Kenneth L. Ryskamp, an appointee of President George H.W. Bush.

Kenneth Starr's former clerk. I guess that's a good way to learn how to use the judicial system to conduct a political smear campaign.

[suffragette]

8. This has been pushed by Bushies since the start

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=8870637&mesg_id=8891462
First, by the Bush Treasury who made the accusation, aided by New York Times pushing and spinning.
Then, by Porter Goss as co-chair on the OCE.
And, as above, by the lawyers, both Bush connected and one having the additional Kenneth Starr connection.