As you’ve probably already sussed out, the transcript from the Jill Simpson interview with HJC is must-read scandal porn. In it, Simpson clearly states that Rove got involved in the Siegelman prosecution and talked to Public Integrity at DOJ in doing so.
But there’s another bit I’d like to look at closely, which the majority counsel uses to establish that Rob Riley had an extensive relationship with Simpson and that Riley has gotten Rove to intervene with legal favors in the past. Here’s the document they’re discussing in this passage.
Q Okay. And the general substance of this appears to be an effort to get a Senator to send a letter. I’ll read the first two sentences of the e-mail. "I’ve been talking with Robby from Hutchinson’s office. He has offered to try to get the Senator to send this letter." And the letter has to do with getting payment on a FEMA matter.
A That is correct.
Q Can you read the handwritten note that’s at the top?
A "I e-mailed this to" — and that’s the client’s name — "then Karl and Stewart today."
Q Hold on. Oh, I e-mailed — sorry. You are reading it. Sorry.
A I say the blank is the client’s name that I can’t disclose. But it says, I e-mailed this to the client’s name, Karl and Stewart today.
Q And then it says Rob?
A Yes, that’s the note he sent me.
Q You didn’t read the beginning which is "To Jill."
A Yes.