Sampson on U.S. Attorney Firings: Says Gonzales Made False Statements

by S-Q @ 10:50 AM MDT

Editor & Publisher

By E&P Staff

Published: March 29, 2007 11:30 AM ET updated

NEW YORK- We will keep an eye all day on the testimony, and grilling, of former Justice Department official Kyle Sampson at a U.S. Senate hearing today.

He offered his written testimony this morning (it was leaked last night) and then the questiong began by Sen. Patrick Leahy, Sen. Arlen Specter, and others.

Specter asked about Attorney General Gonzales' "candor" in saying earlier this month that he was not a part of any discussions on the firings. He asked about the November 27, 2006 meeting "where there were discussions" and Gonzales allegedly attended. Was Gonzales' statement about taking part in no discussions accurate?

"I don't think it's accurate," Sampson said. "He recently clarified it. But he was present at the November 27 meeting."

"So he was involved in discussions in contrast to his statement" this month? Specter asked.

"Yes." Sampson replied.