By David Edwards on 8/21/2005, 11:10am PT  

Guest blogged by David Edwards

Special prosecutor, Patrick J. Fitzgerald, is investigating the outing CIA agent Valerie Plame Wilson. Suspicions have been solidly cast upon Karl Rove and Scooter Libby. There is no doubt that the crime wasn't committed alone or without the help of others.

An article published today in the Canadian newspaper Globe and Mail, suggests that Patrick Fitzgerald's instincts are to root out corruption at the highest levels:

U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald has prosecuted mobsters, terrorists and even journalists. He has investigated and charged state and city officials in this notoriously crooked state with pit bull tenacity.

And always, he has methodically, inexorably pursued his investigations to target the man at the top of the organizational pyramid.
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The 6-foot, 2-inch, 215-pound former rugby player is considered one of the most aggressive and uncompromising prosecutors in the country.
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He won the high-profile job in Chicago when Illinois' maverick senator, Peter Fitzgerald, (no relation) recommended him to the White House as someone who would be "untouchable" --- a modern-day Elliot Ness --- by the political power brokers in the state.
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People who have watched Mr. Fitzgerald operate in Chicago, and before that as assistant U.S. Attorney in New York City, are not surprised by his zeal in pursuing the journalists. But don't expect him to stop there.

That's how he operates: Apply maximum pressure to reluctant witnesses in order to build an air-tight case against the most senior member of a criminal conspiracy.
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Cindy Canary, executive director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, said Mr. Fitzgerald has "stepped up the pace of prosecutions tremendously" since taking the job in September, 2001.

"You get the sense that there are absolutely no sacred cows with him. He aims straight for the top."

Take a look at this August 8th video clip from PBS NewsHour for more background on Patrick Fitzgerald. (Windows Media format)

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