The only opinion that counts (and is not influenced by having a political agenda like Guiliani) is that of Judge Reggie Walton:
Quote:
Reflecting prosecution and defense arguments, the judge acknowledged Libby’s position in government. Walton also said, however, that there is a “heightened responsibility” for a well-placed government official, when he is notified that there is an investigation. Walton said, “I just can’t buy in on that being good social policy” that a government official convicted of obstruction should get off. “Knowingly obstructing the process,” Walton said, “I think there’s a price to pay. If you know there’s an investigation going on, you come forward, you tell the truth.”
http://www.bradblog.com/?p=4646
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As to the issue raised in ace's IBD editorial (and all around the right wing blogs) regardind the underlying offense...."There is no evidence in the record here to support a finding that an underlying offense was actually committed by Mr. Libby or anyone else"....even Libby's attorneys acknowledged that is not relevant:
Quote:
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Legal cases cited by the prosecution, the judge and even by the defense apparently establish that successful conviction on the underlying crime does not have to be achieved in a case about obstruction. ....the string of cases (defendant names include McQueen, Arias, LeMoure, etc). Anyway, defense attorney Jeffress acknowledged this point in the sentencing hearing. To say otherwise does not work in court; unfortunately, it carries the day with the noise machine.
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Will the wingnuts next claim be that Walton is a closet liberal?
Quote:
Judge Reggie B. Walton assumed his position as a United States District Judge for the District of Columbia on October 29, 2001, after being nominated to the position by President George W. Bush
Judge Walton previously served as an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia from 1981 to 1989 and 1991 to 2001, having been appointed to that position by Presidents Ronald Reagan in 1981 and George H. W. Bush in 1991.
Judge Walton served as President George H. W. Bush's Associate Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy in the Executive Office of the President and as President Bush's Senior White House Advisor for Crime.
http://www.dcd.uscourts.gov/walton-bio.html
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