According to the Albuquerque Journal and TPM , the DOJ offer to Iglesias to direct the Executive Office of the US Attorneys reported in our story above, was prompted by Senator Pete Domenici. In Domenici's opinion, Iglesias was not moving aggressively enough to prosecute prominent New Mexico Democrats for corruption. Rather than enter into a nasty political fight, Domenici proposed promoting Iglesias. Iglesias, who remained unaware of Domenici's concerns, turned down the offer. The Journal then reports that Domenici demanded Iglesias' ouster. Gonzales initially resisted Domenici's suggestion. He reportedly told Domenici that he would only remove Iglesias if instructed to do so by the President. So, Domenici called Karl Rove, who spoke to the President, who called Gonzales to effect the removal.

So far, the White House has not definitively denied the accusation as reported by TPM here, here and here. In fact, Dan Bartlett appears to confirm the story in a March 13 press conference. McClatchy covers the story here.

by ePluribus Media on Mon Apr 16, 2007 at 05:24:53 PM EST

Reno was nominated February 11, 1993, confirmed March 11.  The raid in Waco was on Feb 28th, the siege followed, and Reno took the heat and responsibility, even though she was new to the office.  Ruby Ridge incident preceded the Clinton administration (Aug, '92).

by rba on Tue Apr 17, 2007 at 03:08:30 PM EST