The Daily Muck

Fired CIA Official Files Lawsuit
“A federal judge has ruled that a CIA agent identified only as ‘Doe,’ allegedly fired after he gathered prewar intelligence showing that Iraq was not developing weapons of mass destruction, can proceed with his lawsuit against the CIA. The judge has ordered both parties to submit discovery requests–evidence they want for their case–to be completed by March 15, according to the CIA agent’s lawyer and a spokesman for the Justice Department, which is defending the CIA in court.” (U.S. News & World Report)

Libby’s Defense Opens Case Today
The defense in the trial of the former Vice Presidential aide Scooter Libby will open it’s case today, attempting throw doubt on the prosecution’s conviction that the White House official lied under oath. (The Associated Press) Analysts see Dick Cheney as a possibly witness for the defense, but the Vice President’s s well-documented secrecy and political-manipulation carry a strong risk. (The New York Times) Journalist Bob Novak is seen as another likely witness. (The Associated Press)

Washington Post’s John Solomon Goes after McCain
Despite previously attempting to curtail the influence of large-scale donations through campaign-finance reform, Senator John McCain has embraced many wealthy republican donors and fundraising figures in an effort to secure funds for a presidential bid (The Washington Post). Some don’t see what all the fuss is about, and others think that Solomon purposely buried the lead… that debunks his story.

Senate Debates DoD’s “Alternative Intelligence”
“Senate Democrats and Republicans disagreed yesterday (Friday) over the meaning and importance of a Defense Department inspector general’s conclusion that a Pentagon policy office produced and gave senior policymakers ‘alternative intelligence assessments on Iraq and Al Qaida relations’ that were ‘inconsistent’ with the intelligence community’s consensus view in the lead-up to the U.S. invasion of Iraq.” (The Washington Post)

Padilla Nears Trial, Lawyers Ask for Delay
Suspected Al-Qaeda operative Jose Padilla has been inching closer to going to court, after a U.S. bureau of prisons evaluation deemed him fit to stand trial on charges of terrorism. Padilla’s lawyers, who claim that the former Chicago gang member is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after being tortured in prison, are asking for a delay in his February 16 competency hearing in the interest of further evaluation. (The Associated Press)

Despite New Lobbying Limits, Party Goes On
While the newly minted 110th congress has passed a set of ethics rules designed to curb the influence of lobbying in Washington, the first two months of its term have nevertheless seen a laundry list of paid-for outings, highlighting the complex relationship between lobbyists and lawmakers. Skirting around new regulations by working through political fund-raising committees, lobbyists have paid for “California wine-tasting tours,” “hunting and fishing trips,” and even “parties at South Beach in Miami.” (The New York Times)

Politics Suspected in Arizona Prosecutor’s Resignation
A former federal prosecutor in Arizona, at odds with the justice department over death penalty, resigned at the end of last month, in a move that some are calling the result of political pressure from Washington. News of the Paul K. Charlton’s resignation has gained prominence amidst accusations that the justice department is increasingly using a provision within the Patriot Act to oust federal attorneys for political purposes. Charlton could not be reaced for comment. (Tuscon Citizen)

Indicted Philly Politicians Tied to Kerry, Casey
“A powerful Philadelphia politician charged with a litany of federal corruption offenses is accused of illegally using state government resources to help his political allies, including Democratic Sens. John F. Kerry of Massachusetts and Robert P. Casey Jr. of Pennsylvania.” (Politico)

Robo-Caller Doolittle Aims to Block Automated Messages
“Rep. John Doolittle has reintroduced legislation that would allow people to block robotic political calls such as the automated calls unleashed on his behalf during his narrow victory over Democratic challenger Charlie Brown. The Roseville Republican’s bill would extend the do-not-call list maintained by the Federal Trade Commission for people wanting to halt unwanted telephone solicitations.” (Sacramento Bee)

ATF Officials Demoted
“Two senior officials at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives who opposed many questionable management and spending decisions by the agency’s former director are being moved to lower-ranking positions effective Thursday, officials said.” (The Washington Post)

FEC Warning Wilkes
Brent Wilkes, the defense contractor tied to Duke Cunningham who has seen “his fortune dwindle, business fail and personal life go to shambles,” is now being warned by the FEC to disclose details regarding his Political Action Committee or face a possible legal action. (Roll Call, sub. req.)