Page 1 of 2

Sampson, Kyle

From: Sampson, Kyle Sent: Wednesday, February 07,2007 10:26 AM To: 'Sara Taylor' Subject: RE: USAT - Prosecutor fired so ex-Rove aide could get his job ~ttaclimenb:Cummins letter re Griffin.pdf

I was thinking of a different approach, to wit: we are working to get Cummins to submit a letter (or op-ed) that says (1) everyone knew that I'd been looking since 2004 to leave the office for the private sector, (2) when I was contacted about moving on I agreed that it made sense, and (3) is an outstanding U.S. Attorney who - did tremendous work in the office as an AUSA (see the Cummins letter to Griffin dated August 13,2002,see attached), who has more prosecution experience that I have now, and who should be supported for confirmation by Sen. Pryor and Sen. Lincoln.

From: Sara Taylor [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, February 07,2007 10:09 AM To: Sampson, Kyle Subject: FW: USAT - Prosecutor fired so ex-Rove aide could get his job

I normally don't like attacking our friends, but since Bud Cummins is talking to everyone - why don't we tell the deal on him?

Frdm: White House News Update [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, February 07, 2007 6:38 AM To: Soper, Steven W. Subject: USAT - Prosecutor fired so ex-Rove aide could get his job Prosecutor fired so ex-Rove aide could get his job

By Kevin Johnson, USA TODAY

WASHINGTON - The Justice Department acknowledged Tuesday that it fired the U.S. government's chief prosecutor in Little Rock for no reason except to replace him with a lawyer who had been an aide to , the Bush administration's chief political strategist.

However, in an appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Deputy Attorney General Paul McNulty rejected criticism that the forced resignations of Bud Cummins and six other U.S. attorneys last year were politically inspired, or amounted to retaliation for the attorneys' involvement in controversial investigations and prosecutions.

McNulty's testimony before the panel, which is investigating the firings of the prosecutors, was part of an exchange with Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y. Schumer said the White House's appointment process for prosecutors was "corrupted with political, rather than prudent, considerations."

"What happened here doesn't sound like business as usual; it appears more reminiscent of a different sort of Saturday night massacre," Schumer said, referring to Watergate-era firings at Justice that were ordered by President Nixon.