Meanwhile, the Bush administration has again rejected calls to appoint a special counsel to investigate the spy program. In a letter released Monday, a group of House Democrats wrote: “If the effort to prevent vigorous and appropriate investigation succeeds, we fear the inexorable conclusion will be that these executive branch agencies hold themselves above the law and accountable to no one.” But White House spokesperson Scott McClellan said: “I think that where these Democrats who are calling for this ought to spend their time is on what was the source of the unauthorized disclosure of this vital and critical program in the war on terrorism. I really don’t think there is any basis for a special counsel.”