Thomas Daschle: “I think there are several facts we know for sure. We know the law was violated. We know what the law says with regard to…”

“I think there are several facts we know for sure. We know the law was violated. We know what the law says with regard to violations of this magnitude. We know the chilling effect it has on our intelligence-gathering capability and on personnel involved in the front lines with regard to intelligence-gathering responsibilities. We know, if we can believe the reports that have already been printed and reported, what motivated someone in the White House or someone in this administration was retaliation, retribution for being critical of the administration. Those things we know. What we don't know is how it happened. What we don't know is who is responsible. What we don't know is whether or not the perception that the Justice Department can investigate this independently, objectively, and thoroughly is something we can answer today. I would say the answer is no. It would be very difficult to put John Ashcroft in the position of investigating the very people who hired him for the job. We no longer have the independent counsel law. That has expired.”