Democrats Call for Special Prosecutor in Lobbying Case- 'we need an independent investigation, not a whitewash led by Attorney General '

Democrats Call for Special Prosecutor in Lobbying Case - New York Times: By PHILIP SHENON | Published: February 2, 2006

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 — Most Senate Democrats called on the Justice Department today to appoint a special prosecutor to take over the criminal investigation centered on the Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who has pleaded guilty to conspiring to corrupt members of Congress and other public officials.

The 35 Democrats and Senator James Jeffords of Vermont, an independent, said in a letter to Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales that an outside prosecutor was needed because of 'Mr. Abramoff's significant ties to Republican leadership in Congress and allegations of improper activity involving administration officials.'

The Senate Democratic leader, Harry Reid of Nevada, said he signed the letter because 'we need an independent investigation, not a whitewash led by Attorney General Gonzales, President Bush's best friend.' He added in a statement, 'President Bush has worn out his credibility with the American people yet he continues to stonewall an investigation into his involvement with Jack Abramoff, asking him to trust him without explaining why.'"