Sen. Charles Schumer and Sen. Ken Salazar call for special counsel [View All]

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Sens. Want Independent Corruption Probe

AP 36 minutes ago
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/breaking_news/13718258.htm

Two Senate Democrats called Thursday for the appointment of a special counsel to take over the investigation of the corruption scandal spawned by lobbyist Jack Abramoff.


The switch "would ensure that the investigation and prosecution will proceed without fear or favor and provide the public with full confidence that no one in this country is above the law," Sens. Chuck Schumer of New York and Ken Salazar of Colorado wrote Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.


Schumer and Salazar sent their letter several days after Democrats pressed the White House for information on contacts between the president or other top officials and Abramoff. So far, the White House has refused to release any photographs of the president and the lobbyist together.


Schumer and Salazar wrote that the "highly political context" of the allegations may "lead some to surmise that political influence may compromise the investigation."


They cited allegations that the former acting U.S. attorney for Guam and the Northern Marianas, Frederick Black "was replaced, perhaps improperly, as a result of his investigation of Mr. Abramoff." Abramoff had clients in the islands.

full article:
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/breaking_news/13718258.htm