Here Lies a Man Impeached

When it comes to toxicity, however, Inslee is not one of the usual culprits. His list of co-sponsors is relatively free of the usual left-wing firebrands; many are political moderates, and several, including Inslee, are former prosecutors.

"Impeachment is a very serious subject," began Inslee, who brought his reading glasses and a poster detailing Congress's authority to impeach any "civil officer" of the United States. "It should only be used as a last resort when the basic fundamental tenet of American democracy is at risk, and unfortunately that is the case now."

Inslee laid out the case against Gonzales, made the connection to his son's ice cream evasions, and ultimately settled on a chess metaphor. "The president thinks he has a checkmate over democracy," the earnest Westerner said. "Well we have news for him. . . . He cannot checkmate an impeachment inquiry. This is the tool in the toolbox we can pursue" -- even if Bush shuts down congressional probes of Gonzales by ordering prosecutors not to take the cases to court.

Colleagues on the stage with Inslee, wearing grave faces but colorful neckwear, provided an echo.

"This particular attorney general, Alberto Gonzales, has lost his bearings," said Tom Udall (D-N.M.), whose tie pattern appeared to be of men riding dolphins.

"This attorney general has lost his way," said Bruce Braley (D-Iowa), whose tie had a large musical note.

But is this really the worst behavior by a Cabinet officer in 131 years?

Ben Chandler (D-Ky.), also on stage with Inslee, could not be sure. "It's pretty clear that the facts are not clear," he acknowledged.

Inslee felt more strongly that Gonzales had earned a place in history; his news release announcing the impeachment resolution even mentioned Belknap. "It's the worst behavior by a United States attorney general that I'm aware of in American history," he said.

Somewhere above or below, John Mitchell is smiling.