AP: Report Says Bond Pressure Lead To U.S. Attorney Firing

A report released by Justice Department Monday reveals that the dismissal of Missouri U.S. Attorney Todd Graves probably resulted from pressure from the office of Sen. Kit Bond.

The Associated Press is reporting that Attorney General Michael Mukasey is appointing a prosecutor to pursue possible criminal charges against Republicans who were involved in the controversial firings of U.S. attorneys.

His move follows the leading recommendation of a Justice Department investigation that harshly criticized Bush administration officials, members of Congress and their aides for the ousters, which were seen by many as politically motivated.

In a footnote, according to the Kansas City Star, investigators say they tried to interview Sen. Kit Bond in connection with the Graves ouster. He declined.

To read the Justice Department report, click on this link: http://www.usdoj.gov/oig/new.htm

It also said that the dismissal of Todd Graves, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, probably resulted from pressure from the office of Republican Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond. Bond was upset that Graves did not intervene in a dispute between the staffs of Bond and Republican Rep. Sam Graves, the prosecutor's brother, the report said.