The Senate Judiciary Committee has vowed to continue its investigation into Karl Rove even after he resigns as President Bush’s top adviser at the end of August. Rove has refused to comply with a Judiciary Committee subpoena to testify about his role in the politicization of the Justice Department and the firing of nine U.S. attorneys. Senator Patrick Leahy said, “Mr. Rove’s apparent attempts to manipulate elections and push out prosecutors citing bogus claims of voter fraud shows corruption of federal law enforcement for partisan political purposes.” Congressman John Conyers said the House Judiciary Committee would also continue to investigate Rove. Hours after Rove’s resignation was reported in The Wall Street Journal, President Bush thanked Rove for his service.

President Bush: “Karl Rove is moving on down the road. I’ve been talking to Karl for a while about his desire to spend more time with Darby and Andrew. This is a family that’s made enormous sacrifices not only for our beloved state of Texas but for a country we both love.”

Karl Rove then praised President Bush.

Karl Rove: “I’ve seen a man of farsighted courage put America on a war footing and protect us against a brutal enemy in a dangerous conflict that will shape this new century. I’ve seen a leader respond to an economy weakened by recession, corporate scandal and terrorist attacks by taking decisive action to strengthen the economy and create jobs. I’ve seen a reformer who challenged his administration, the Congress and the country to make bold changes to important institutions in great need of repair.”