As I noted in a story Wednesday, Justice's Director of Public Affairs is supposed to be consulted on all subpoenas to the media or for media-related phone records. In the past, that consultation has prompted the narrowing of subpoenas in some cases and their rejection in other cases, though the ultimate decision rests with more senior Justice Department officials.
(Also on POLITICO: Obama attempts 'scandal reduction surgery')
The Daily Beast's Daniel Klaidman reported Thursday that the head of DOJ Public Affairs at the time the request for the AP's records came through, Tracy Schmaler, recused herself from the matter because she'd been interviewed by investigators. (FBI agents also interviewed Attorney General Eric Holder, which he said this week was part of his decision to recuse himself.)
"In her absence, the job fell to a less experienced deputy," Klaidman's story initially reported.
Adding to the murk, a later version of Klaidman's story removed that statement and added this editor's note: "A previous version of this story stated that in Tracy Schmaler's absence, her deputy handled the A.P. subpoena issue. It is unclear who if anyone in the Office of Public Affairs reviewed the matter."
A Justice Department official told POLITICO Thursday that none of the current public affairs staff was aware of or asked to offer views on the AP-related subpoenas.
(Excerpt) Read more at politico.com ...
