Perfect Timing

Atrios links to this Reuters story:

Lawyers in CIA-leak case say charges possible this week

By Adam Entous

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Federal prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald appears to be laying the groundwork for indictments this week over the outing of a covert CIA operative, including possible charges of perjury and obstruction of justice, lawyers involved in case said on Sunday.

Top administration officials are expected to learn from Fitzgerald as early as Monday whether they will face charges as the prosecutor winds up his nearly two-year investigation, the lawyers said.

Fitzgerald could convene the grand jury as early as Tuesday to lay out a final summary of the case and ask for approval of possible indictments, legal sources said. The grand jury hearing the CIA leak case normally meets on Wednesdays and is scheduled to expire on Friday unless Fitzgerald extends it.

Fitzgerald's investigation has focused largely on Karl Rove, President George W. Bush's top political adviser, and Lewis Libby, Vice President Dick Cheney's chief of staff, and their conversations about CIA operative Valerie Plame with reporters in June and July of 2003.

Her identity was leaked to the media after her diplomat husband, Joseph Wilson, challenged the Bush administration's prewar intelligence on Iraq. The White House initially denied that Rove and Libby were involved in any way in the leak.

Asked whether he was taking part in a final round of discussions with the prosecutor's office, Rove's attorney, Robert Luskin, said: "I'm just not going to comment on any possible interactions with Fitzgerald."

Atrios is hoping the announcement of any indictments is made on Tuesday simply because the Philly Drinking Liberally group is meeting that night. However, we all know Patrick Fitgerald is waiting until Wednesday because our Tampa Drinking Liberally group is meeting THAT night, October 26, 2005 at 8pm at New World Brewery at 1313 E 8th Ave in Ybor City. There's free parking on both sides of the building and Wednesdays at New World are "Blue Moon Wednesdays." A pint of Blue Moon Belgian White Ale is only $2.50. The hefe weizen is another good choice.

Hope to see you all there!