White House denies FBI chief contradicted attorney general over spying program Jul 28, 2007
In testimony on May 15, former deputy attorney general James Comey recounted how Gonzales, then White House counselor, and Andrew Card, then White House chief of staff, went to George Washington University Hospital on the evening of March 10, 2004, in an attempt to persuade a barely conscious Ashcroft, who had just undergone emergency surgery for gallstone pancreatitis, to sign a document recertifying the spying program. Ashcroft refused and deferred to Comey as the acting attorney general,... (Xinhuanet, China)
Editorial May 21, 2007
Ashcroft, who had his gallbladder removed after a severe case of gallstone pancreatitis, was in George Washington University Hospital. Comey, who was in charge, refused to sign the presidential order. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Former Deputy AG Details Justice Department Rebellion Over Surveillance Program May 16, 2007
At that time, in March 2004, then-Attorney General John Ashcroft was in intensive care while being treated for gallstone pancreatitis and had temporarily relinquished his powers to Comey. Comey, who was Justice's No. 2 official from December 2003 to August 2005, came to testify before the panel about his views on the controversial firings of at least eight U.S. Attorneys last year, but instead spoke at surprising length about the White House's effort to bypass him on the secret program. (Law.com)
Woman requires liver transplant Sep 16, 2006
She was diagnosed with gallstone pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas that results from blockage. Surgery cleared the blockage, but a more serious problem developed with her liver, auto immune hepatitis. (Washington Daily News, NC)
health insurance Apr 19, 2006
Attorney General was hospitalized with gallstone pancreatitis. CNN. (Harper's Magazine)
Intel Chairman Claims Progress in Wiretap Law Fix Feb 17, 2006
White House Chief of Staff Andy Card and Gonzales, then the White House counsel, visited Ashcroft about those issues while Ashcroft was in the hospital for gallstone pancreatitis. SEARCH. (Fox News -- Headlines)
