Originally published Friday, July 18, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Capital Watch
Ashcroft defends questioners' techniques
Former Attorney General John Ashcroft defended aggressive interrogation tactics the government used to try to forestall terrorist attacks...
WASHINGTON — Former Attorney General John Ashcroft defended aggressive interrogation tactics the government used to try to forestall terrorist attacks but offered few details Thursday to lawmakers seeking insight into the most sensitive aspects of his tenure.
In his first Capitol Hill appearance to address national-security issues since leaving the Justice Department three years ago, Ashcroft batted away probing questions, blaming his memory and citing the still-classified status of programs the Bush administration adopted after Sept. 11, 2001.
Pressed by Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee, he argued that coercive interrogation techniques including waterboarding did not meet the legal definition of torture. Ashcroft said he wasn't aware of evidence during his term that would have prompted him to open a criminal investigation into actions by interrogators.
Vendettas cited at whistle-blower office
The second-in-command at the government's top whistle-blower office has quit in a dispute with his boss, whom he accused of putting "political agendas and personal vendettas" ahead of the agency's mission and independence.
James Byrne's resignation as deputy to U.S. Special Counsel Scott Bloch is effective Saturday. Bloch is under federal investigation, accused of destroying evidence potentially showing he retaliated against his own staff.
"Upon my departure, I am obligated to note that the mission, independence and very existence of the Office of Special Counsel are ... at risk unless and until this agency is afforded a presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed leader who is capable of putting OSC's mission and OSC's people ahead of political agendas and personal vendettas," Byrne, the deputy special counsel, wrote in a July 10 letter to Bloch.
A spokesman for Bloch declined to comment.
The Office of Special Counsel protects the rights of federal workers and government whistle-blowers.
Seattle Times news services
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
UPDATE - 01:29 AM
Conservative Democrats break ranks on health care
UPDATE - 03:17 AM
Obama set for emotional visits to Vatican, Ghana
UPDATE - 03:20 AM
SKorea says attackers use IP address in 16 nations
Nations pledge to curb climate change at G-8 summit
First ladies with G-8 view quake ruins

Gen. David Petraeus: Iraq and Afghanistan Wars
Watch highlights of General David Petraeus discussing the Iraq and Afghanistan War at the Global Leadership Series sponsored by the World Affairs Council.
Entertainment | Top Video | World | Offbeat Video | Sci-Tech
shopping

events for Friday, Jul. 10th
- IKEA Summer Sale
- Karan Dannenberg Clothier Progressive...
- Alhambra July Sale
- Julep Nail Parlor "Sandal-Ready and S...
editors' picks
More shopping guides- Seattle-area homebuilder losing projects to foreclosure
- Health-plan costs soar for individuals
- Trees vs. houses: Narrow, leafy street is last chance for two Madrona homes waiting to be moved
- World's largest solar plant may be built in Cle Elum
- Driver killed, deputy and prisoner injured in head-on crash near Monroe
- House Democrats likely to alter intel bill
- Drunken man shocks Spain with his generosity
- Movie review | "Brüno" struts his stuff to hilariously expose intolerance
- Chase will no longer sponsor Lake Union fireworks
- 4 Ill. cemetery workers accused in grisly plot
- Mass. files lawsuit against federal marriage law
913 - Health-plan costs soar for individuals
523 - Texas Rangers at Seattle Mariners: 07/09 game thread
243 - Seattle Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik again declines to quell Yuniesky Betancourt trade rumors
145 - World's largest solar plant may be built in Cle Elum
126 - Trees vs. houses: Narrow, leafy street is last chance for two Madrona homes waiting to be moved
91 - Wednesday night notes
86 - Pay parking in West Seattle?
76 - Franklin Gutierrez bails Mariners out in a 3-1 win
75 - House Dems want to expand secret briefings
63
- Seattle-area homebuilder losing projects to foreclosure
- Health-plan costs soar for individuals
- World's largest solar plant may be built in Cle Elum
- Trees vs. houses: Narrow, leafy street is last chance for two Madrona homes waiting to be moved
- Grab the kids and hop on Amtrak for a stress-free getaway to Portland
- During financial crisis, the business of college sports is complicated by Title IX
- Local Smith & Hawken garden stores to close
- Green River Valley plans ahead for possible flooding
- Pay parking in West Seattle?
- Jerry Large | Issues of aging affect all



