Conyers to Rove: You better show up.

Conyers full letter is reprinted below:

June 16, 2008
Via Fax and U.S. Mail
Mr. Robert D. Luskin
Patton Boggs LLP
2550 M Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20037-1350

Dear Mr. Luskin:

We are writing with respect to the pending subpoena for Mr. Rove’s appearance on July 10 before the Committee’s Commercial and Administrative Law Subcommittee and related discussions between you and Committee staff. We want to reemphasize that we expect Mr. Rove to attend the hearing. Any concerns about or objections to specific questions can be dealt with at that time. We also want to state, however, that while we remain willing to work to resolve any concerns on a cooperative basis, your recent proposal to hold an interview limited to the Siegelman matter does not meet the Committee’s oversight needs.

Specifically, we understand that you recently suggested to Committee staff that Mr. Rove would be willing to be interviewed by Committee members and staff, without a transcript or an oath, but also without prejudice to the Committee’s right to pursue its subpoena for sworn testimony. This is an important step forward, and stands in stark contrast to the White House’s demand that it would not allow the Committee to conduct a similar interview with Harriet Miers unless the Committee agreed in advance that it would not thereafter pursue such formal testimony. While we were encouraged by this suggestion, we also understand that you indicated more recently that any such interview that Mr. Rove would agree to prior to July 10 would be limited only to questions concerning the Siegelman matter.

As Committee staff made clear, and as we indicated in our May 1 letter, the proposal that we somehow seek to separate the Siegelman matter from the broader issue of politicization of the Justice Department is unacceptable. Indeed, your own April 29 letter appears to recognize that the Siegelman matter, other selective prosecution matters, and the U.S. Attorney firings are clearly related as part of the concerns regarding politicization of the Justice Department under this Administration that the Committee has been investigating. At this point, moreover, we have not even received a formal objection to the subpoena, which is a legal mandate that Mr. Rove appear as scheduled.

Accordingly, we hope and expect that Mr. Rove will appear on July 10, when any objections to specific questions on executive privilege or other grounds can be dealt with appropriately. We remain very willing to meet with you and your client to discuss this matter. Please direct any questions or communications to the Judiciary Committee office, 2138 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515(tel: 202-225-XXXX; fax: 202-225-XXXX)

Sincerely,
____________________________________
John Conyers, Jr.
Chairman
____________________________________
Linda T. Sánchez
Chair, Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law

cc: Hon. Lamar S. Smith
Hon. Chris Cannon