U.S. Attorney scandal widens to include White House

August 7, 6:37 PMProgressive Politics ExaminerJay McDonough

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Things are heating up in the Justice Department investigation into the politicalization of their hiring process.  A couple weeks ago I posted that a Justice Department report found laws had been broken by top aides of then Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.  Looks like there's some fire amid all the smoke:

The Justice Department investigation into the firings of nine U.S. attorneys has been extended to encompass allegations that senior White House officials played a role in providing false and misleading information to Congress, according to numerous sources involved in the inquiry.

The widened scope raises the possibility that investigators will pursue criminal charges against some administration officials, and recommend appointment of a special prosecutor if there is evidence of criminal misconduct.

People close to the investigation say that the investigators' final report will not only examine the reasons and circumstances behind the firings of the nine U.S. attorneys, but efforts by senior Justice Department and White House officials to mislead the public and Congress about the firings:

"It will be as much about the cover up as about the firings," said one former senior Justice Department interviewed at length because of his personal role in the firings. This source believes the investigators "are going to tell a narrative, and they have taken their investigation right into the White House."  (Link)

Is it possible a government official could be held accountable for lying to Congress and the American people?