and of course Gonzales refuses. So what do we think, should he stay or should he go? How can we help influence the process?
(Bloomberg) -- Thirty-one Democratic Senators asked U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales to remove himself from supervising the Justice Department's investigation of the scandal involving Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
`Given the expanding scope of the investigation into the executive branch, public confidence in the process will be ensured only if you recuse yourself,'' the senators wrote.
``The attorney general has followed all DOJ guidelines which govern these decisions, and there is no reason to recuse himself from the investigation at this time,'' Tasia Scolinos, a spokeswoman for Gonzales, said.
So what can we do about it? Keep going
We can do plenty to help the 31 Senate Dems asking him to recuse himself; it's a good time for us to get on the bandwagon.
There is a diary currently on the recommend list that gives us a good idea.
This seems like a very good time to start a campaign to get an independent counsel on this case. Gonzales has refused to release emails to Fitz for the Plame investigation, why would we think he wouldn't obstruct this investigation as well.
So let's start to put the pressure on:
Start calling Senators
You can use these toll-free numbers (and ask for the Senators by name): 888-355-3588 or 888-818-6641.
Send letters to the Editor
Call C Span call in shows
C-SPAN Contact Information
Call-In Phone Numbers
Washington Journal: Support Democrats (202) 737-0002
Washington Journal: Support Pres. Bush (202) 737-0001
Washington Journal: Support Others (202) 628-0205
Add any other ideas you may have.
Update
[Lobbying invoices http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2006/02/16/national/w141814S54.DTL] sent by Abramoff's firm to one client, the Northern Mariana Islands, show at least 200 contacts between Abramoff's lobbying team and the administration in Bush's first 10 months in office.
This Schumer letter dated Feb 2nd has [36 signators. http://schumer.senate.gov/SchumerWebsite/pressroom/press_releases/2006/PR39.Dems%20Abram%20Spec%20Counsel.020206.html]
I'm trying to see who dropped out. I can't get the links to work so you'll have to cut and paste. sorry