Shocker: New Iraq NIE Release Delayed To Post-Election

Following CA Rep. Jane Harman's revelation yesterday of the existence of a second NIE on Iraq, and her subsequent demand for its full public release to the public before Nov. &7, the Homeland Security Department held a media conference call last night.

Their announcement? They acknowledge the existence of a second report, but have a little problem sharing it with the nation juuuust yet:

White House Homeland Security Advisor Frances Townsend spun the official response to calls for the NIE release this way:

My understanding is the planned release date, given the work that must be done to have it be comprehensive and complete, is January of `07. But I will tell you, that's still quicker than most NIEs get done. The timing has got nothing to do with the election.

Of course not. We are shocked--SHOCKED, we tell you!--to hear suggestions that political motivations are behind the scheduling of the report's release.