Casual Lawbreaking at the White House

"Q. These were states that -- they were states that were important, given the races and the political activity of that particular time. So, for example, if there were key races in Florida , then Florida might be a target state. . . .

"Q. Did they discuss, as the one given at the GSA did, targeting specific Democratic seats and defending specific Republican seats?

"A. The presentations that I remember did."

Fresh Plame Material

And Ralston had some intriguing observations about the leak of covert CIA agent Valerie Plame's identity. As became clear in the obstruction of justice trial of vice presidential aide I Lewis "Scooter" Libby, Rove's role was significant. He confirmed Plame's identity to syndicated columnist Robert Novak, and was the first person to leak her identity to Time reporter Matthew Cooper -- who then got if confirmed by Libby.

"Q Were you aware of any communications by Mr. Rove about Joe Wilson or Valerie Plame Wilson with the Office of the Vice President?

"A You know, it is -- that investigation was so lengthy that the timing of all of the conversations is not really clear in my mind. I believe he did talk to the Vice President's Office about it, but I just don't remember when, with whom, the context.

"Q Why do you believe that he talked with that office about this subject?

"A. I just have a vague recollection that he and Scooter Libby talked about this subject often.

"Q. Often?

"A. Often.

"Q. During what time frame?

"A. I don't know. I mean, I -- it is really hard for me to say. . . .