Cheney aide pleads not guilty in CIA leak case
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-11-04 08:56

The indictment has also increased pressure on Bush -- from Democrats and some Republicans -- to shake up his staff.

Rove's future role is unclear, and White House spokesman Scott McClellan sidestepped questions about his status. "There is no discussion of staff changes beyond the usual vacancies that occur," McClellan said, but added, "It's always the prerogative of the president to have a team in place that he feels best helps him advance his agenda and meet his needs."

Before the arraignment, Libby beefed up his defense team, bringing in Wells, who is well known for his trial work and for defending former Agriculture Secretary Michael Espy and financier Michael Milken. He also hired white-collar criminal defense lawyer William Jeffress, who represented another former Cheney aide, Mary Matalin, in the leak case.

Fitzgerald's investigation has shown that both Rove and Libby spoke to reporters about Wilson's wife despite initial denials by the White House.

As part of his defense strategy, Libby was expected to argue that any incorrect information he provided to federal investigators or the grand jury resulted from lapses in memory, according to attorneys involved in his case.

Libby walked into the courthouse near the U.S. Capitol using crutches because of a foot injury. His wife whispered in his ear and gave him a light pat on the bottom before Libby took his chair and the judge started the hearing.

Fitzgerald estimated it would take his team of prosecutors about two weeks to present its case at trial.

Before any trial, Jeffress told the judge there "may be protracted litigation" about classified information and First Amendment issues. He did not elaborate.

After the hearing, Jeffress declined to say how long a trial might take. "It's too early to say," he told reporters.

Wells added, with a touch of irony in his voice, "Two-week trial? OK."

Libby waived his right to a speedy trial, and Wells called it a "complex case." He said the earliest the defense team would get clearance for classified material would be in 60 days, and then they would start to go through a "significant volume of documents." The judge said he wanted the case resolved as expeditiously as possible.

As Libby walked out of the courthouse and was swarmed by cameras, one onlooker shouted: "Guilty, Guilty, Guilty."