Lockhart also criticized plans by the Republican-led panel to subpoena information about the Democratic Party's fundraising tactics, saying it was clear the GOP was seeking to damage the president. He calling on Republican leaders to take control of the investigation. During the afternoon session, a pair of retired federal judges told the committee that the president should not be impeached. Judge Charles Wiggins, who sat on the Judiciary Committee during the Watergate hearings, said perjury and obstruction of justice are impeachable offenses. Retired Judge Leon Higginbotham agreed, saying the law makes distinctions based upon the severity of misconduct and extenuating circumstances.
Perjury has gradations.
Retired Navy Adm. Leon A. Edney, who teaches ethics at the U.S. Naval Academy, opposed the judges' views. The committee heard from 11 witnesses Tuesday, some chosen by each party. Chariman Hyde has said he would like to wrap up the hearings by the end of December. For an overview of Tuesday's events, listen as NPR's Barbara Bradley reports for All Things Considered . You can review many of the documents released from the Starr investigation, and background material, in our special report .