My question is this:
Apparently there would have been some sort of different outcome if the Secretary of State had agreed to appear in court and testify?
Right, or no?
If the Secretary of State had appeared in court, the charge and resultant penalty would have been stiffer?
Right, or no?
I think the Bush administration did what it does best, and showed grace and class by saying, "ah, forget it, it's not worth our time and trouble; we've got more important things to do."