Will this scandal over illegal spying on an American citizen purely for political advantage – as opposed to constitutionally valid spying on enemies of America to protect national security – be covered aggressively by the American press? Or will they continue to ignore and suppress the misdeeds of the Democrat Party.

Federal prosecutors have decided to bring charges against a Democratic researcher accused of fraudulently obtaining a credit report on Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele, now a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate.

Lauren B. Weiner, who has since resigned from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee in Washington, will be charged with obtaining the report without authorization, according to a letter sent to Steele by the U.S. attorney's office in the District.

A copy of the March 8 letter, which notified Steele that he is considered a victim in the case, was obtained by The Washington Post yesterday.

The episode, which happened last July, came as both parties started digging into the backgrounds of opposing candidates for one of Maryland's marquee races this year, the contest to replace retiring Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes (D). Opposition research is typical in contested statewide races, but it is illegal under federal law to obtain a credit report under false pretenses.

Whitney C. Ellerman, an attorney for Weiner, said his client plans to plead guilty to a misdemeanor under an agreement with prosecutors that could result in the charge being dismissed in a year.

"She basically made a mistake, and she is accepting responsibility for that mistake," Ellerman said. "She wants to get on with her life."

Ellerman said Steele's credit report was destroyed and not disseminated to anyone.

That this crime has been dropped down to a misdemeanor and will be wiped from Weiner’s record is utterly unacceptable. The conduct of DSCC staff is comparable to some Watergate figures who illegally obtained personal records of individuals on Nixon’s “enemies list”.

WhatÂ’s more, no one else will face charges over the matter.

Weiner and Katie Barge, then the DSCC's director of research, resigned after their superiors learned of the incident, which drew the FBI's attention. The DSCC is the arm of the national Democratic Party that works to elect U.S. senators.

William Lawler, an attorney for Barge, said it is his understanding from prosecutors that neither his client nor the DSCC will be charged.

"We're pleased to see this matter come to a conclusion," DSCC spokesman Phil Singer said last night. "Our thoughts are with Lauren. She is a fine person who made a mistake."

Channing Phillips, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office, would not comment on the case or why the office is apparently not charging Barge, who was Weiner's boss at the DSCC.

Of great concern to me is the failure to go after the DSCC and its chairman, Sen. Chuck Schumer.

Not that I am surprised – our justice system and the obsolescent mainstream media hold the Democrats to a much lower standard of conduct that that to which Republicans are held.

Posted by: Greg at 12:33 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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