The "P" Word

Target has been acquired, over. LATimes (07.23.05):

"The special prosecutor in the CIA leak investigation has shifted his focus from determining whether White House officials violated a law against exposing undercover agents to determining whether evidence exists to bring perjury or obstruction of justice charges, according to people briefed in recent days on the inquiry's status. Differences have arisen in witnesses' statements to federal agents and a grand jury about how the name of Valerie Plame, a CIA agent, was leaked to the press two years ago." CIA Leak Investigation Turns to Possible Perjury, Obstruction

"According to lawyers familiar with the case, investigators are comparing statements by two top White House aides, Karl Rove and I. Lewis 'Scooter' Libby, with testimony from reporters who have acknowledged talking to the officials." Leak, leak, leak. "Although no one has suggested that the investigation into who leaked Plame's name has been shelved, the intensity of the inquiry into possible perjury charges has increased, according to one lawyer familiar with events who spoke on condition that he not be identified." "Patrick J. Fitzgerald, the special prosecutor, and his team have made no decision on whether to seek indictments." Not yet they haven't. Or at least they're not saying. Bloomberg has more (07.22.05):

"Two top White House aides have given accounts to a special prosecutor about how reporters first told them the identity of a CIA agent that are at odds with what the reporters have said, according to people familiar with the case." Rove, Libby Accounts on Plame Differ With Reporters'