Ouch

The Scoot-ster got 30 months.

WASHINGTON - Former White House aide I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby was sentenced to 2 ½ years in prison Tuesday for lying and obstructing the CIA leak investigation.

Libby, the former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney, stood calmly before a packed courtroom as a federal judge said the evidence overwhelmingly proved his guilt.

“People who occupy these types of positions, where they have the welfare and security of nation in their hands, have a special obligation to not do anything that might create a problem,” U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton said.

That would be on the high end of the sentencing recommendations. Of course he'll serve at club fed, and Walton still hasn't ruled on whether Libby can remain free pending appeal.

I do believe this is the first example of any kind of real accoutability directed at the Bush administration.

Sure feels good.

Now you've gotta wonder if this will motivate Libby to talk, or does he have a pardon/clemency in the bag, or does he just go down like a good firewall/soldier should?

Update: Marcy Wheeler, who has been following the case closely has told Atrios that she doesn't think Libby will be allowed freedom on appeal. Also, here are the "love letters" by all of those who wrote to support Libby, mostly the usual suspects. One was notable. As Atrios notes, "nice signature James Carville". Can you believe it?