Despite Promises, Bush Refuses to Prosecute Leaks

Misleader: President Bush has promised to prosecute those who leak sensitive classified information, saying, "We can't have leaks of classified information."1 Attorney General John Ashcroft said, "leaks of classified information do substantial damage to the security interests of the nation."2 Ashcroft promised swift prosecution of leaks, saying, "Until those who, without authority, reveal classified information are deterred by the real prospect of productive investigations and strict application of appropriate penalties, they will have no reason to stop their harmful actions."3 But according to a new report, the Bush administration is refusing to prosecute a top Republican who leaked classified information.
As the Washington Post reports, "Federal investigators concluded that Sen. Richard C. Shelby (R-Ala.) divulged classified intercepted messages to the media when he was on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence." The Post also reports, "Though the FBI and the U.S. attorney's office pursued the case, and a grand jury was empaneled … the Justice Department decided to forgo a criminal prosecution."4
Also, AP reports Rep. Katherine Harris (R-FL) apparently divulged classified information about how many terrorist attacks have been thwarted, and about a terrorist threat on an Indiana community.5 Harris is the woman who as Florida Secretary of State helped deliver the election to President Bush. There is no word on whether the Bush Justice Department will investigate Harris.