Another link in the chain between the White House, Jack Abramoff and the corrupt Republican Leadership in the House has been broken this afternoon, with the resignation of Karl Rove’s aide, and Special Assistant to the President, Susan Ralston, who (surprise, surprise) was the go to woman for Abramoff’s lobbying efforts directed at the White House. Of course, it was no surprise what’s so ever, since Ms. Ralston was Abramoff’s assistant prior to assuming her duties at the White House working for Mr. Rove.
I guess with Foleygate still grinding relentlessly on, Rove must have thought this was a good time to dispose of another problem that hit a little closer to (his) home:
An aide to top White House political adviser Karl Rove resigned on Friday in the fallout over a congressional report showing many White House contacts with ex-lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said the aide, Susan Ralston, submitted her resignation after recognizing that “a protracted discussion of these matters would be a distraction to the White House.”
Ralston chose to step down and “we support her decision and consider the matter closed,” Perino said.
I’m sure a protracted discussion of Abramoff’s contacts with Rove’s office would prove distracting. Thankfully, Ms. Ralston fell on her sword, so I’m sure we can rely upon the national media to do their part and stop talking about how a convicted felon had hundreds of contacts with the Bush White House on behalf of his clients.
(Rolls eyes for the hundredth time today)
Anybody see Bill Moyers’s 2-hour report on Abramoff and the rest of the lobbyist corruption? I taped it and will watch it tonight. If you missed it you can watch the whole thing online at PBS. I’m looking forward to maybe finally seeing something of the big picture among this tangled tale.
PS: On my machine, at least, the video setup they used should be an example for all websites (YMMV, of course).
is why this happens:
After wife’s request, charge dropped vs. Phils’ Myers
“There’s no violence in our family. That night in Boston we had both been drinking,” Kim Myers told the judge. “I was not hurt. I was not injured.”
It’s her choice…but what happens next time her husband gets drunk?
Just a random concern…
Seems to me that this is a HUGE story. It places the Abramoff Scandal right at Karl Rove’s door.
Between Fitz and Abramoff Prosecutors, Rove must be getting squeezed REAL tight.
I imagine Ralston will roll over like a dog. I suspect her defense will be “I was only doing my job – and doing it well.” Can’t imagine she’d welcome a few years in the pokey for “Just doin my job”.
Once she rolls, it’s game/set/match for this White House. Fitz at the front door and Abramoff Prosecutors at the back door.
That’s my take, anyhow.