Dems call on Bush not to pardon Libby

WASHINGTON, March 7 (UPI) -- Democratic leaders in Washington are urging President Bush not to extend a pardon to I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, who was convicted of lying to investigators.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., welcomed the ruling against Libby, who was convicted of four counts of lying to federal investigators during an inquiry into an undercover CIA agent's outing in the press, The Hill reported Wednesday.

"It's about time someone in the Bush administration has been held accountable for the campaign to manipulate intelligence and discredit war critics," Reid said, adding that the trial "revealed deeper truths about Vice President Cheney's role in this sordid affair. Now President Bush must pledge not to pardon Libby for his criminal conduct."

Reid's call was echoed by other prominent Democrats.

"It sends a terrible message at a time when we are demanding accountability from the generals at Walter Reed ... to suggest anyone in our government is above the law," said Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill.

"While he failed to keep his promise to fire the leaker, he should pledge not to pardon Scooter Libby," Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean said in a written statement.