Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, in addition to his letter to the White House today, has also sent a letter to Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales about the fired federal prosecutors probe.

The letter inquires about Justice Department officials who Mr. Leahy, Vermont Democrat, wants to testify before his committee.

"We have learned that Monica Goodling has taken a personal leave of absence from the Department and we have been informed by her counsel that she will invoke the Fifth Amendment's privilege against self-incrimination in a criminal matter," Mr. Leahy wrote.

Ms. Goodling is Mr. Gonzales' chief counsel.

"Is Ms. Goodling still employed by the Department of Justice? What is the employment status of Michael Battle, Michael Elston and William Mercer with the Department of Justice? Please inform the Committee of those employees who have separate counsel," Mr. Leahy says.

Mr. Battle is the director of the executive office for United States Attorneys. He was the one who called seven of the eight prosecutors in December and told them of their dismissals.

Mr. Elston is chief of staff to Deputy Attorney General Paul J. McNulty. Mr. Mercer is acting associate attorney general.

Mr. Leahy added a handwritten note to Mr. Gonzales at the bottom of the letter, scribbling, "Could I have an answer before Thursday's hearing?"

He is referring to the hearing tomorrow where Mr. Gonzales' former chief of staff, D. Kyle Sampson, is scheduled to testify under oath.

-- Jon Ward, White House correspondent, The Washington Times