Karl Rove Subpoenaed By John Conyers: 'Time to Talk'

Posted by Rachel Weiner, Huffington Post at 3:00 PM on January 26, 2009.

On Monday, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., issued a subpoena to Karl Rove, requiring him to testify regarding his role in the Bush administration's politicization of the Department of Justice, including the U.S. attorney firings and the prosecution of former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman. The subpoena calls for Rove to appear at deposition on Feb. 2.

Rove has previously refused to appear in response to a Judiciary Committee subpoena, claiming that even former presidential advisors cannot be compelled to testify before Congress. That "absolute immunity" position was supported by President George W. Bush, but it has been rejected by U.S. District Judge John Bates. President Barack Obama has previously dismissed the claim as "completely misguided."

"I have said many times that I will carry this investigation forward to its conclusion, whether in Congress or in court, and today's action is an important step along the way," Conyers said. Noting that the change in administration may impact the legal arguments available to Rove in this long-running dispute, Conyers added, "Change has come to Washington, and I hope Karl Rove is ready for it. After two years of stonewalling, it's time for him to talk."

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