The importance of Monica Goodling

The decision by Monica Goodling, the top Justice Department official who has decided to try to claim her fifth amendment protections not to testify before the Senate, is a significant blow to those who would want to explore White House political involvement in the US Attorney firings.

Goodling is not just some high level functionary, she was the Justice Department's White House liason. It was her job to carry messages and coordinate actions between the Justice Department and the White House, of specific interest in this case, to Rove and Miers. More than anyone, she knows the level of White House political involvement.

With the White House's stance that Rove and Miers will not testify, and with Goodling now off limits, the main avenues into the allegations of political involvement in the firings are shut off.

Although Kyle Sampson could certainly offer some bits about White House communications, without the full picture provided by Monica Goodling's testimony, Sampson may not be asked the questions that would evoke the pertinent details.

Goodling's fifth amendment claim is the firewall protecting Rove, Miers, and any other White House officials.

Maybe it's time to ask how civil servant Goodling is paying her top flight Washington lawyer.

(The AP helpfully offers this list of people who similarly claimed their fifth amendment rights before Congress. Not a list that screams innocence.)

Also: Don't miss Gonzales fleeing from a 15 minute press conference just 2 1/2 minutes in.

And, an FBI agent who alleged politics in the Lam firing was told by the FBI to keep quiet.

Later: Monica Goodling "was involved" in the call where Sen. Pete Domenici complained about Iglesias.