Libby Sentenced to 30 Months

Former chief of staff and national security adviser for Vice President Cheney Scooter Libby, who was found guilty of obstruction of justice, was sentenced to 30 months in prison -- and fined $250,000 -- on Tuesday.

U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton imposed a sentence that was significantly greater than the recommendation: 15 to 21 months. As he handed down the sentence, Walton said: "Evidence in this case overwhelmingly indicated Mr. Libby's culpability."

Libby is the highest-ranking White House official to be convicted of a felony since the Reagan-era Iran-Contra scandal.

Libby is appealing the conviction; next week, he will ask to remain out of prison while the appeal moves forward. President Bush could pardon him at any time; final hour pardons are de rigeur as Presidents leave office.

The Washington Post reports that Walton "saw no significant issues on which he believed Libby would prevail on appeal. If the defense does not persuade Walton that Libby should remain free week, Libby probably would report to federal prison authorities in 45 to 60 days."

Background: Libby Defense: Cheney "Authorized" Leak, CIA: Plame Was "Covert", Valerie Plame Timeline.

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