At Constitutional loggerheads

It doesn't take a genius to work out what the Bush administration reaction will be to supoenas issued to Karl Rove and/or Harriet Miers by the Senate Judiciary Committee relative to the sacking of eight US Attorneys. Leaked emails have made clear that both the President's political supremo and his former attorney had roles in the politically motivated firings. Senator Patrick Leahy (D - VT), who is the committee's chairman, has made it clear that private briefing sessions will not be acceptable and that he expects those subpoenaed to testify in public session.

The Decider(TM) is almost certain to role out such testimony and we are probably headed for a test of wills between the duelling government branches not seen since the Nixon days.