Libby Drops Appeal

Lewis “Scooter” Libby will drop the appeal of his conviction in the CIA leak scandal, the AP reports. President Bush commuted Libby’s 30-month prison term, but Dick Cheney's onetime chief of staff remains a convicted felon. Libby’s lawyer said he was convinced of his client’s innocence, but the case had become too great a burden for Libby’s family to bear.

"The appeal would lead only to a retrial," said Theodore Wells, who also said he has not discussed a possible pardon with Bush. A failed appeal would take commutation off the table, the AP reports, even if the process wrapped up before Bush leaves office. Libby remains the only person charged in relation to the leak of CIA agent Valerie Plame's identity. (More Lewis Scooter Libby stories.)