Law | Politics

Ousted US Attorney cites Republican pressure

Thursday, March 1, 2007

David Iglesias, the former U.S. Attorney for New Mexico, said Republican lawmakers pressured him to pursue a corruption case against Democrats prior to last year's elections.

Iglesias said two GOP lawmakers called his office in October, a month before the elections. A central theme of Democratic campaigns were the corruption investigations and convictions of Republicans.

Iglesias did not identify who called him, but he suggested his refusal to cooperate prompted the White House to ask for his resignation. The Department of Justice, however, denied the allegations.

Seven U.S. Attorneys were fired or asked to leave last year. The White House claimed they were removed for performance or accountability issues though all but one had received favorable reviews.

Paul Charlton, the former U.S. Attorney for Arizona, was ousted for refusing to pursue death penalty charges against Navajo tribal members, according to news reports. He was overruled by political appointees in Washington, D.C.

Get the Story:
Fired U.S. Attorney Says Lawmakers Pressured Him (The Washington Post 3/1)
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Ex-Prosecutor Says Politics Was Motive for Dismissal (The New York Times 3/1)
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