Cheney 'very disappointed' with Libby verdict
 Hours after the conviction of former White House adviser I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, Vice President Dick Cheney released a statement which expressed disappointment that his former aide was found guilty on four out of five charges. Libby was convicted of lying and obstruction of justice in regards to the investigation of the "outing" of a former CIA operative.
"I am very disappointed with the verdict," Cheney said in the statement received by RAW STORY. "I am saddened for Scooter and his family. As I have said before, Scooter has served our nation tirelessly and with great distinction through many years of public service."
Cheney added, "Since his legal team has announced that he is seeking a new trial and, if necessary, pursuing an appeal, I plan to have no further comment on the merits of this matter until these proceedings are concluded."
White House: Case 'ongoing'
 Earlier today, the White House issued a brief statement on Libby's conviction.
"The president was informed," Dana M. Perino, the deputy White House press secretary, said at a press briefing. "He was in the Oval Office. He saw the verdict read on television."
According to Perino, Bush "respected the jury's verdict" but "he was saddened for 'Scooter' Libby and his family." The spokesman added that she was sorry to "disappoint" the press but that the White House couldn't really comment on the verdict, since Libby may appeal it and the case is still ongoing.
"Any administration that has to go through a prolonged news story that is unpleasant and one that is difficult when they're under the constraints of a policy of [not commenting on ongoing legal proceedings], that can be very frustrating," Perino added.
In regards to Democratic concerns that Libby may be pardoned by President Bush, Perino said she had no knowledge of any plans for that.
"I’m not commenting on a hypothetical situation," Perino said. "I’m aware of no such request."
|
