Bogden likely will testify about his dismissal

Sam Skolnik

Saturday, March 3, 2007 | 7:07 a.m.

Chances are growing that Daniel Bogden, the recently ousted U.S. attorney for Nevada, will testify before Congress next week .

In the wake of a recent Sun story in which he said he suspected he was fired for political reasons, the Senate Judiciary Committee has invited Bogden to appear before the panel Tuesday.

Bogden said he had not seen the letter sent Friday by Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., and Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa. Bogden wouldn't say whether he would attend the hearing.

Leahy and Specter wrote that if Bogden refuses to appear, the committee will issue him a subpoena.

A House Democratic aide also said Friday that Bogden may be subpoenaed at the last minute to appear alongside four other recently fired U.S. attorneys and to testify before a House Judiciary subcommittee, also on Tuesday.

Bogden recently turned down an invitation to appear before the panel, saying he would go only if subpoenaed.

Justice Department officials say Bogden was one of seven U.S. attorneys fired Dec. 7 because of poor performance. Bogden has denied the assertion, saying politics cost him the job.