Doctor probes politics in 84-count indictment

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A nationally renowned medical examiner has asked a federal judge to determine whether an 84-count indictment against him was politically motivated.

Congressional Democrats have spotlighted former Allegheny County Coroner Dr. Cyril Wecht's prosecution on charges of theft, mail fraud and wire fraud as part of a broad investigation into White House interference with Justice Department activities. After months of questioning whether the Bush administration fired nine U.S. attorneys who were not "loyal Bushies," Democrats said the cases provide strong evidence that some government lawyers may have done the White House's bidding.

In a motion submitted late Friday, attorneys for Wecht asked U.S. District Judge Arthur J. Schwab to rule on whether Republican U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan targeted Wecht because he is a Democrat.