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He Kids Because He Loves

James B. Comey (Alex Wong - Getty Images)

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Friday, May 4, 2007

Former deputy attorney general James B. Comey, who oversaw the work of the 93 U.S. attorneys from 2003 to 2005, appeared before a House Judiciary subcommittee yesterday. He praised most of the eight prosecutors whose dismissals have prompted controversy and then was asked about his friend Patrick J. Fitzgerald, the Chicago U.S. attorney whom Comey appointed to oversee the investigation that led to the prosecution of I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby in the CIA leak case.

The exchange:

Rep. Linda T. Sanchez (D-Calif.): It's been reported that Patrick Fitzgerald of Illinois was listed . . . in the middle category as someone who had not distinguished himself positively or negatively. What is your reaction to that rating?

Comey: I've never thought much of him.

(LAUGHTER)

No, I'm just kidding.

He's a very close -- he's a very close friend of mine.

Sanchez: I think he'll be shocked to hear that.

Comey: He's a very close friend of mine. I think he is one of the finest federal prosecutors that there is and maybe has ever been.

Sanchez: So you would disagree with the assessment on that list that he hasn't distinguished himself either positively or negatively?

Comey: Although I've enjoyed teasing him about it, it would not be where I would put him on the list.