"The evidence uncovered so far raises serious questions about Mr. Rove's conduct and his ability to safeguard highly sensitive classified information. Until those questions are resolved, CREW believes it is not appropriate for Mr. Rove to have continued access to classified information. Anything short of suspension raises an unacceptable risk to our nation's security," Sloan wrote to the President today.

Moveon Pac has called for Rove's resignation over the leak. Of the Newsweek report identifying Rove as a source of the leak, the group says:

"First, in revealing the identity of a covert CIA agent, Rove either knowingly broke the law, or committed an act of gross negligence. In either case he should resign or the President should fire him.

"Second, the President failed to act upon learning that his chief political adviser blew the cover of a CIA agent.

"These facts raise several questions to which the President owes the American people answers: What did he know? When did he know it? And why did he fail to act?

"Clearly Rove sought to retaliate against Plame's husband, Ambassador Joe Wilson, for correctly refuting Administration claims that Saddam Hussein sought to acquire 'yellowcake' uranium in Africa, part of the case the President was attempting to make for invading Iraq. Clearly, Rove put the protection of President Bush's political agenda ahead of national security when he disclosed Plame's identity. He jeopardized the safety of an under cover intelligence agent who was working to stop the spread of nuclear weapons. Clearly Rove's and the President's willingness to remain silent about this until the very last minute caused significant pain and anguish to two journalists, one of whom is now in jail, for refusing to reveal Rove as their source."