Gonzales Under Investigation for Trying to Influence Aide’s Testimony

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The problem with investigations is they create new, smaller investigations. That’s what Alberto Gonzales is learning, anyway. He’s under investigation for possibly trying to influence the testimony of former aide Monica Goodling in the U.S. Attorneys scandal.

Gonzo said in testimony that he never discussed the scandal with other “fact witnesses,” and that in fact this lack of discussion was exactly why he had to respond with so many “do not recalls” in response to lawmakers’ questions. But in testimony that came after Gonzo’s, Goodling said that her boss had a conversation with her around this time about whether or not she should stay at the DOJ. According to Goodling, this conversation made her “a little uncomfortable.” Many speculate it was intended to influence her testimony.

What’s remarkable about this is that the investigation isn’t being taken up by Congress — it’s being instigated by the Department of Justice itself. That means that it’s no Democrat-led fishing expedition, but also that Gonzales is being investigated by his subordinates, putting everyone in an awkward position and raising the question of whether the investigation will be effective.

Effective or not, add this to the ever-growing list of scandals at DOJ.

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And the essential ingredient that makes all this possible? Readers like you.

It’s reader support that enables Mother Jones to devote the time and resources to report the facts that are too difficult, expensive, or inconvenient for other news outlets to uncover. Please help with a donation today if you can—even a few bucks will make a real difference. A monthly gift would be incredible.

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