Monday, February 12, 2007
Sources: Rove unlikely to testify at CIA leak trial
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- As the defense begins its presentation in the CIA leak case on Monday, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove is not expected as of now to be called as a witness in the ongoing perjury and obstruction trial of former vice presidential aide Lewis "Scooter" Libby, two sources with knowledge of the case told CNN.
This marks a sharp departure from just last month, when the revelation that Rove and presidential counselor Dan Bartlett had received subpoenas informing them they may be called as part of Libby's defense presentation sparked a flurry of news reports suggesting the White House aides would be forced to provide testimony that was politically-damaging to the president.
Libby's defense attorneys refused to comment on whether Rove will be called. There is a gag order on the case imposed on the lawyers on all sides by Judge Reggie Walton.
But Rove's legal team has been told at this point not to expect him to be called, sources told CNN, although it is still possible Libby's defense attorneys will change their minds and call him to the stand.
And one source close to Rove said the White House official has been told that his chances of being called as a defense witness are between "zero and nil" at this point.
Rove's role in the investigation of who leaked the name of Valerie Plame Wilson more than three years ago is key since he is one of the officials who confirmed her identity to syndicated columnist Robert Novak, who could testify at trial on Monday....
http://www.cnn.com/POLITICS/blogs/politicalticker/2007/02/sources-rove-unlikely-to-testify-at.html
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