The attorneys for Brent Wilkes, who faces over 30 counts bribery, fraud, money laundering and conspiracy in connection with Duke Cunningham, have issued subpoenas for Dennis Hastert, Roy Blunt, and 11 others (listed below). All have said they do not intend to comply with the subpoenas.
Wilkes' attorney, Mark Geragos, did not immediately return messages Tuesday. Some lawmakers declined comment while others issued statements saying they didn't know why they had been subpoenaed and had no information to provide.
"Despite requests for further information from the law firm, we do not know why Mr. Blunt has been issued this subpoena. We have absolutely no information," said Blunt spokeswoman Antonia Ferrier. "The House counsel has determined that compliance with this subpoena is inconsistent with House rules," she added.
"This subpoena is a mystery," said Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., who represents a district near Cunningham's. "I have no knowledge of information pertaining to the charges pending against Mr. Wilkes that would aid either the defense or the prosecution in this case."
So that's the threshold? If you don't know why you're being subpoenaed you don't have to comply?
In addition to Hastert, Blunt, and Issa, also called to testify were:
Rep. Jerry Weller, R-Ill.
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Silvestre Reyes, D-Texas.
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton, D-Mo.
House Appropriations defense subcommittee chairman John Murtha, D-Pa.
California Republican Reps. Duncan Hunter, John Doolittle, and Jerry Lewis. Hunter chaired the Armed Services Committee and Lewis chaired the Appropriations Committee in the last Congress.
Republicans Reps. Peter Hoekstra and Joe Knollenberg of Michigan. Hoekstra chaired the House Intelligence Committee in the last Congress.
Democratic Rep. Norm Dicks of Washington.
All the lawmakers said in notifications to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that after consulting with House attorneys they had decided not to comply with the subpoenas.
Update [2007-9-18 13:28:0 by Glic]: Paul Kiel over atTPM is wondering what's up, too:
It's not clear what the method is behind the madness. Wilkes' lawyers didn't respond to the AP's calls and the lawmakers say the subpoena comes out of left field. They also say that they've been advised by the counsel that it would be against House rules for them to comply.