The Political Chase

Jury to Meet Again After FBI Sweep

Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald cast a broad net of FBI investigators yesterday (Tue.) seeking additional information and has now called for the grand jury to reconvene tomorrow (Wed.) according to Reuters.

The grand jury session follows a last-minute flurry of interviews by investigators with CIA operative Valerie Plame’s neighbors and a former colleague of top White House adviser Karl Rove.

White House officials were anxiously awaiting the outcome of the leak case since any indicted officials were expected to resign immediately. If indictments are brought, Bush was likely to make a public statement to try to reassure Americans that he is committed to honesty and integrity in government.

Libby’s notes indicate Cheney got his information about Plame from then-CIA Director George Tenet, according to the Times. The White House would neither confirm nor deny the account.

Fitzgerald’s investigation has centered on Libby and Rove, President George W. Bush’s top political adviser. Other aides may also be charged, lawyers said.

Lawyers involved in the case said it could be difficult for Fitzgerald to charge administration officials with knowingly revealing Plame’s identity

They said Fitzgerald appeared more likely to seek charges for easier-to-prove crimes such as making false statements, obstruction of justice and disclosing classified information.

But there were 11th-hour signs that Fitzgerald could still bring charges for the leak itself.

FBI agents on Monday night questioned some of Plame’s neighbors about whether they knew about her CIA work before her identity was leaked to the press. The interviews could help Fitzgerald show that Plame’s status had been a closely-guarded secret.

According to some of the sources interviewed, there was a general consensus that it was not known that Wilson worked for the CIA, much less as a covert agent. They believed she was a consultant (not government related). This would contradict senior White House officials statements that previously stated it was a well known fact who Wilson was - she worked for the CIA and was an agent, not a clerical role.

Another consideration is that Fitzgerald is being meticulous and reconfirm information he already has; insuring there are not disconnects in evidence and testimony submitted to the grand jury. But, calling the grand jury to meet again, since they already changed the schedule once this week to meet on Tuesday rather than Wednesday could be a strong indication he has additional evidence to present.

Film at 11:00.