Judge grants Goodling immunity

WASHINGTON, May 12 (UPI) -- A federal judge in Washington has given Monica Goodling limited immunity, opening the way for congressmen to question her in the U.S. attorneys dustup.

Goodling, 33, is being investigated by the Justice Department's inspector general and ethics office and by Congress. Thus far, she has refused to testify before a House committee, invoking her right to avoid self-incrimination. Her attorney, John M. Dowd, declined to comment following the judge's ruling Friday.

The New York Times reported Saturday that Justice Department officials wouldn't answer questions about Goodling's actions regarding the firings of several federal prosecutors.

"Whether or not Ms. Goodling engaged in prohibited personnel practices is the subject of an ongoing investigation," a written statement said. "Given the ongoing nature of the investigation, we are unable to comment on the allegations."

One former prosecutor said she was told she was told she wouldn't get an expected promotion because Goodling believed she was a Democrat and couldn't be trusted, the newspaper said. Goodling also allegedly asked civil service job applicants such questions as who was their favorite president and Supreme Court justice and even whether an applicant had ever cheated on his wife.