The Anti-Sam Brownback Blog

In another high profile break from the Bush Administration, Senator Sam Brownback says he is reserving judgement on the Bush Domestic Spying scandal until hearings commence. The Wichita Eagle reports:

Sen. Sam Brownback isn’t sure he supports President Bush in authorizing surveillance of people within the United States, and he acknowledged Friday that one justification given by the White House troubles him.

The Kansas Republican said he doesn’t agree with Bush that when Congress authorized him to use force against terrorists following the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, it gave the president the authority to have individuals’ e-mails and telephone calls monitored without first seeking a warrant.

“I do not agree with the legal basis on which they are basing the surveillance, that when the Congress gave the authorization to go to war, that gives sufficient legal basis for the surveillance,” Brownback said during a news conference at the Kansas Statehouse.

Isn’t sure. Hmmmm. So spying on American citizens, in the US, without a warrant or any sort of judicial review might be ok under some circumstances? Brownback is heading in the right direction, but his spineless pandering could get him in trouble if this turns out to be a disaster for the President. Waffling on this issue could become costly. Let’s hope so.