While denying that she had a "major" roll in the U.S. Attorney firings, ex-Justice Department aide Monica Goodling admitted to considering applicants' political leanings when hiring prosecutors (Washington Post). Onlookers already kind of guessed that, but admissions are always appreciated.
Packing a bigger punch, Goodling said that the Justice Department's top-two officials essentially lied to Congress (or the public): Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and Deputy General Attorney Paul McNulty [Huffington Post (w/video) and Washington Post].
Before resigning, Goodling told a DoJ official: "All I ever wanted to do was serve this president, this administration, this department." An important item is missing from Monica's loyalty list--justice. Tax dollars fund law enforcement agencies to serve justice, not to pursue political agendas.
At least the prior Administration's Monica stuck to activities befitting her skill set. This Monica stepped beyond her league the minute she took up Justice Department office space.
BNP has a simplified scandal overview. Firedoglake has a blow-by-blow of Goodling's testimony before the House Judiciary Committee. Talking Points Memo has solid coverage and back story.
Comments