Friday, June 24, 2011

BATF Acting Director Melson resisting efforts to step down…Eager to testify

The LA Times is reporting this incredible story in this morning’s edition.  Melson's resignation was rumored a week ago, last Friday and expected to take place Monday, then Tuesday then in the immediate future.  The delay seemed to some to indicate his handlers at Justice might be having trouble convincing him he should fall on his sword to protect Attorney General Holder.  Rep. Issa has publicly stated Justice had to know about the Fast and Furious program, since they had to approve the funding for it.  .  

Here is some of what the LA Times is reporting.

The acting director of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is strongly resisting pressure to step down because of growing controversy over the agency's surveillance program that allowed U.S. guns to flow unchecked into Mexico, according to several federal sources in Washington.

The story continues with this quote from one of the Times’ sources:

"He is saying he won't go," said one source close to the situation, who asked for anonymity because high-level discussions with Melson remained fluid. "He has told them, 'I'm not going to be the fall guy on this.' "

This story appeared to be dying down, but it will be front and center in the national news media.  It will be interesting to hear Holder's reaction.  Remember he testified under oath he had no knowledge of the gun running program until it was reported in the media.

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