Cest Moi Political Blog

LIVE

UPDATE 1:41 pm

White house reaction from Deputy Press Secretary Dana Perino was quite limited. She says:

Our position of not commenting on an ongoing criminal proceedings stands.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's statements include:

“Today’s guilty verdicts are not solely about the acts of one individual."

“This trial provided a troubling picture of the inner workings of the Bush Administration. The testimony unmistakably revealed – at the highest levels of the Bush Administration – a callous disregard in handling sensitive national security information and a disposition to smear critics of the war in Iraq.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

UPDATE: 1:14 pm

Juror, Dennis Collins took the microphone for a rather lengthy question and answer session with the media. Some of juror Dennis Collins' comments included:

"Alleged conversation with Russert was critical."
"We determined that Libby was told about Mrs. Wilson no fewer than 9 times."
"The belief of the jury was that Libby was tasked by the VP to talk to reporters."
"Some jurors commented that - I wish we weren't judging Libby, that sucks. Where's Rove, where's..."
"It seemed like Libby was the fall guy"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

UPDATE: 12:48 pm

12:50
Breaking from The Washington Post - Libby Found Guilty in CIA Leak Case
Breaking from The New York Times - Libby Guilty of Lying in C.I.A. Leak Case
Breaking from the Associated Press - Libby Found Guilty in CIA Leak Trial

12:55 - Jurors now taking the microphone.

~~~~~~~~~~~

From Fox News:

Before the press release began, Fox News is pulling up verdicts from the AP Wire that former VP Chief of Staff, Scooter Libby has been found guilty on 4 of 5 indictments. The jury was asking questions all morning on the charge involving Mat Cooper. Libby was acquitted on charge #3 involving false statements. Fox News is reporting that prosecutors have indicated that convictions for Scooter Libby would likely mean further investigations including those focused on the Vice President.

The judge can invalidate the convictions
The judge can decide if Libby awaits appeal free or in prison

CTV:

It is reported that there was little reaction from Libby as verdicts were read.
Libby will be free, out on bond until sentencing.

MSNBC

The first sentencing report will come on May 15th. Libby will go home today as a felon, having been convicted on these charges.

We are waiting to see if jurors will come to the microphones.

Chris Mathews: Scooter Libby did not defend himself; the VP did not come forward to defend Libby. The person with the cloud over his head is VP Cheney. He is going to have to make a statement, there are many questions.

Fox News:

"Awaiting White House reaction to Libby Verdict"

12:29 pm - Libby and defense attorney are now approaching the cameras.

Atty: We are very disappointed in the verdict. The jury deliberated for approximately 10 days. Despite our disappointment, we believe in the justice system and the jury system. We intend to file a motion for new trial. If that is denied, we will appeal and we have every confidence that Mr. Libby will be vindicated. We intend to keep fighting.

And they step away from the microphone.