Ashcroft Taking Fire From GOP Stalwarts

Ashcroft Taking Fire From GOP Stalwarts
More Wish to Curb Anti-Terrorism Powers

By Dan Eggen and Jim VandeHei
Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, August 29, 2003; Page A01


BOISE, Idaho -- Even here, in a bedrock Republican state in the heart of the conservative Mountain West, a lot of people think Attorney General John D. Ashcroft has gone too far.

One of this state's most prominent politicians, Rep. C.L. "Butch" Otter (R), is leading an effort in Congress to curtail the centerpiece of Ashcroft's anti-terrorism strategy, the USA Patriot Act. Sen. Larry E. Craig (R-Idaho), who used to croon alongside Ashcroft in a senatorial quartet, said this month that Congress may have to consider scaling back parts of the law. And in a state with an all-GOP congressional delegation, several city councils and the legislature are considering resolutions condemning Ashcroft's tactics in the war on terrorism.

"Ashcroft wants more power," said state Rep. Charles Eberle (R-Post Falls), who has drafted a resolution critical of the Patriot Act. "What a lot of us in Idaho are saying is, 'Let's not get rid of the checks and balances.' . . . People out here in the West are used to taking care of themselves. We don't like the government intruding on our constitutional rights."

Ashcroft has always been one of the Bush administration's most controversial figures, particularly among liberals and Democrats who fiercely opposed his nomination. But now the attorney general finds himself at odds with some fellow Republicans from Idaho to Capitol Hill who are troubled by the extent of his anti-terrorism tactics and angered by his unwillingness to compromise.

The rise of opposition within his own party could threaten Ashcroft's bid to secure even greater powers for the Justice Department's war on terrorism. (snip/...)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A61836-2003Aug28.html

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asskkkroft has gone over the edge with enough rope!

Not exactly what they wanted was it? Less government, not the total information awareness, "Big Brother", intrusive government that we are becoming. Ashcroft and all the other Neocons will find this out in the next election.