Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel on"The Real Problem" with Carol Lam

From the Democratic Caucus regarding the explosive story in McClatchy Newspapers today:

Emanuel Statement on "The Real Problem" with Carol Lam

As Lam Investigated Public Corruption, Justice Department Called for Her Dismissal

Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel released the following statement after news reports today revealed that Kyle Sampson, Chief of Staff to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, sent an email to the White House counsel's office regarding the "real problem with Carol Lam" on the same day the Los Angeles Times reported Lam's investigation into Duke Cunningham had expanded to include Rep. Jerry Lewis:

"The White House and the Justice Department would like for us to believe that the firings of the U.S. Attorneys were based on job performance. This is the one time when I actually agree with them. It appears that Carol Lam was fired for doing her job. It's clear from the email sent by Mr. Sampson to the White House on May 11th, 2006 - the same day the Los Angeles Times reported that Lam's investigation into Duke Cunningham had been extended to Rep. Jerry Lewis -- that Carol Lam was investigating and prosecuting public corruption, and the Justice Department and the White House didn't like it."