Reid and Pelosi: Resignation Does Not End AG Inquiry

Both Democratic Congressional leaders, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), have emphatically stated that today's announcement of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' resignation effective September 17th will not end the Congressional inquiry into the Department of Justice, including the matter of the firing of nine United States Attorneys last year. "This resignation is not the end of the story," said Reid. "Congress must get to the bottom of this mess and follow the facts where they lead, into the White House." Referring to the nominee to succeed Gonazles, Pelosi said he or she "must also pledge to cooperate with ongoing congressional oversight into the conduct of the White House in the politicization of federal law enforcement." Other key Democrats are chiming in as well.

There is talk that the removal of Rumsfeld, Rove, and Gonzales from the Bush administration takes away the high-value targets for Congressional wrath (save Bush and Cheney themselves). But those people can still be subpoenaed to testify, and there is even precedent for impeaching a cabinet member after he resigns. In any event, the Congressional inquiries are clearly unfinished business.