Cheney invites Fitzgerald on hunting trip

Vice President to escort prosecutor on outing after trial finishes

Luc Attmi
La Lune de la presse internationale

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Vice President Dick Cheney formally invited Federal Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald on a "quail hunt outing" on Friday, sources in Washington reported. The move is seen as a gesture of goodwill after Fitzgerald prosecuted Cheney's second in command, "Scooter" Libby, for lying to federal investigators after a CIA agent was outed by the White House in 2003.

The trial is nearing its closure, as interesting details have been made public, revealing that the Executive Branch purposely sought to discredit Joseph Wilson and his wife, Valerie Plame, after they disputed Cheney's intelligence claims that Iraq was seeking to buy uranium on the black market. The jury has not yet delivered its verdict, although a Presidential pardon is expected if Libby is convicted, despite the fact that he risks the death penalty at his sentencing.

The Vice President has a reputation for being an avid hunter, and political analysts seemed unsurprised at the lastest invitation, which has also been extended to other Justice Department and Democratic officials. "This is truly a sign from the Executive Branch that they are ready to make nice with those who are investigating any possible wrongdoing," said Faux News commentator Jack Kass. "We think this is a good move to restore a unified government in Washington, and we wish Mr. Fitzgerald well."