WaPost Offers New Details On Bond Role In Graves Dismissal

The Washington Post reports that former U.S. Attorney Todd Graves emerged on a list to be dismissed a month after the White House indicated a broader deal with Sen. Kit Bond.

The fresh disclosure came in interviews and Bush administration White House e-mails released Tuesday by congressional investigators.

On Graves' ouster, Carrie Johnson reports: "The e-mail suggested that Graves was replaced with a candidate favored by Bond in part to clear the way for an appointment of a federal judge from Arkansas on the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. Bond had objected to the White House naming a judge from outside of Missouri for the prestigious post, but he may have agreed to lift his hold on the seat after an agreement with the Bush administration, according to White House documents. Rove, who had served as a political consultant to Bond earlier in their careers, told investigators the deal was reached without his involvement and that he did not object to it."

ALSO: The Associated Press reports that one e-mail to White House legal counsel Harriet Miers from aide Richard Klingler says they "will work to satisfy Sen. Bond's request regarding a replacement for the U.S. attorney in the (Western District of) Missouri."

Bond spokesman Shana Marchio said in a statement Tuesday that Bond did not make any deal to have Graves replaced and did not know of or approve of any actions taken by his staff.