Oh, Heather … I never thought I’d see this day. I knew it was just a matter of time before someone from the GOP spoke up to investigate the domestic spying program, but I didn’t know New Mexico’s own Rep. Wilson would be the poster child. This morning, the
New York Times reported that Wilson “broke ranks with the White House” in calling for a “full congressional inquiry into the Bush administration’s domestic eavesdropping program.” www.nytimes.com (Registration required, but no fee) The
Times also reports that Wilson is “the first Republican on either the House’s Intelligence Committee or the Senate’s to call for a full Congressional investigation into the program.” This story comes just days after Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales sat in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee defending the program (without being sworn in), citing the Constitution and a Congressional resolution as the president’s justification. Sorry, buck-o, FISA will overcome.
Joe Monahan gave it a mention on his blog as well http://www.joemonahan.com/ and promises updates. I couldn’t find any mention on Wilson’s site http://wilson.house.gov/, not even a hint … maybe it’s just too recent for Wilson’s web techs.
Wilson is up for re-election this fall http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Mexico_U.S._Senate_election,_2006. Is she growing a backbone or just doing what needs to be done to get re-elected by distancing herself from this presidential scandal? Maybe both … but it doesn’t matter—this issue needs to be scrutinized and I’m happy that Wilson was the first to call for the investigation. Maybe more members of the Republican party in the Senate and the House will step it up, too.
Go get ’em, Heather! Make your constituents proud!
