Citizen Comey's Dilemma

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Former FBI Director James Comey's patriotism, regard for the truth and dedication to public service should be beyond question. (Oct.13, p.1)His judgement and egoism not so much. The dilemma which upended Mr. Comey's professional life, and which haunts him still, could have been avoided by a clearer and more just protocol governing the conduct and disclosure of  criminal investigations by the FBI of candidates for elective office.

There must be a statutory, inviolate rule that such investigations may not be disclosed unless they result in the bringing of an indictment by a grand jury. The validity of any such indictment would be subject to prompt, in camera judicial review. The trial and any appeal must be expedited. The same law should override the opinions of the Office of Legal Counsel of the Justice Department, that a sitting president may not be criminally prosecuted for unlawful conduct. This will insure that investigations need not be rushed unduly nor defanged by the prospect that the subject of the investigation may be elected to office before its conclusion.