(Don't these guys in the clown car make you proud to be an American? - promoted by pam)
From news wire reports, the following are quotes by leading Republican candidates in the 2008 Presidential race regarding President Bush's commutation of the prison sentence imposed upon convicted felon I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby.
U.S. Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS)
"[Libby was convicted] on a crime that didn't exist."
Rudolph Guiliani, former Republican Mayor of New York City
"After evaluating the facts, the president came to a reasonable decision and I believe the decision was correct."
Mike Huckabee, former Republican Governor of Arkansas
"The President acted compassionately towards Mr. Libby, his wife, and children, while showing respect for the judicial process."
U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ)
No official statement as of the date of publication of this article. Previously said, "He's going through an appeal process. We've got to see what happens here."
U.S. Representative Ron Paul (R-TX)
No official statement as of the date of publication of this article. Previously said, "[Libby] was instrumental in the misinformation that led the Congress and the people to support a war that we didn't need to be in."
Mitt Romney, former Republican Governor of Massachussetts
"[U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald] went after somebody even when he knew no crime had been committed... Given that fact, isn't it reasonable for a commutation of a portion of the sentence to be made?"
U.S. Representative Tom Tancredo (R-CO)
No direct, official statement as of the date of publication of this article, but has previously conflated the Libby matter with broadbased conservative interest in a pardon for two convicted Border Agents: "I hope the president will consider providing the same relief to these [Border Agents convicted of felonies and sentenced to more than 10 years] and their families that he did yesterday to Mr. Libby."
Fred Thompson, former U.S. Senator (R-TN) and star of "Law and Order"
"While for a long time I have urged a pardon for Scooter, I respect the president's decision. This will allow a good American, who has done a lot for his country, to resume his life."
Tommy Thompson, former Republican Governor of Wisconsin
No official statement. Previously said, "Bill Clinton committed perjury at a grand jury, lost his law license. Scooter Libby got 30 months. To me, [Libby's sentence] is not fair at all."
Further statements clarifying position may be forthcoming as candidates more fully assess public reaction to the commutation by President Bush of the prison sentence of Mr. Libby.
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