From the Office of Utah Congressman Jim Matheson

MATHESON NEWS
Second Congressional District

For Further Information
Alyson Heyrend: (801) 455-5593 (cell)
www.house.gov/matheson

March 14, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Matheson Statement on Justice Department Firing of U.S. Attorneys

Washington D.C.-Congressman Jim Matheson released the following statement regarding revelations that the prosecutors' political loyalty was the standard used in calling for their dismissal:

"U.S. Attorneys are charged with ensuring that federal laws are enforced and that wrongdoers are fairly tried and when convicted, appropriately punished.  There is nothing partisan about their responsibilities.  It is very troubling that political pressure or intimidation was brought to bear on how these public servants do their jobs. It's duty to the law, not duty to a political party that should guide their performance," said Matheson.

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Alyson Heyrend
Communications Director
240 East Morris Ave. #235
South Salt Lake, UT 84115
(801) 486-1236 (phone)
(801) 455-5593 (cell)
(801) 486-1417 (fax)