Bush won't release Roberts' papers from Iran-Contra Pardon days!

White House Plans to Release Some Roberts Papers
UPDATE: This just in! The White House refuses to release documents relating to SCOTUS nominee Roberts as Deputy Solicitor General under Ken Starr. This was when Roberts might have advised on the reprehensible GWH Bush pardons of the Iran Contra Gang.

Since the WH position was nominally private, there could be an argument to keep Roberts docs confidential, but in his job as Deputy Solicitor, John Roberts was working for you and me, the taxpayers, as his paycheck came from DoJ.

The presidential power to pardon is granted under Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution.
"The President ... shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment."

This is usually taken to mean those who have been impeached but it could be argued that Bush himself was in danger of being impeached and so the exception would apply to a pre-trial pardon. GWH Bush no doubt asked for legal advice on this.

Coverup on the flip: >>>continued


http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2005/7/26/10612/2519