Libby expected to plead not guilty Thursday

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/11/01/MNGBFFH0UL1.DTL

But open trial could prove embarrassing for White House

Washington -- Vice President Dick Cheney's former chief of staff, Lewis "Scooter" Libby, is expected to plead not guilty to charges that he lied and obstructed justice in the CIA leak probe when he is arraigned Thursday, setting the stage for a possible courtroom fight in which Libby's interests could collide with those of the Bush White House, according to several Republican officials.

Libby, who was charged with five felonies, is putting the finishing touches on a new legal and public relations team. It will argue in court and in public that he is guilty of nothing more than having a foggy memory and a hectic schedule, according to people close to him. He is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court before Judge Reggie Walton.

As Libby prepared for a court battle, Cheney made plans for life without his closest adviser. On Monday, he named longtime counsel David Addington as his new chief of staff and John Hannah as national security adviser. Both were questioned in the Libby indictment.

If Libby's case goes to trial, Addington and Hannah are only two of the many White House officials -- including Cheney himself -- who could be forced to testify about how they handled intelligence, dealt with the press and built the argument for the Iraq war, according to people close to the case. Republicans worry that Libby's court fight will force President Bush to deal with the prospect of top officials testifying and embarrassing disclosures of how the White House operates and treats critics.

[mmonk]

1. Great! That puts the higher ups in greater legal jeopardy.

A trial.