Newsweek has an interesting interview with J. William Leonard, until recently director of the Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO) in the National Archives, and his conflicts with the Vice President's office over the classification of government documents.

The veteran National Archives official challenged claims by the Office of Vice President (OVP) to be exempt from federal rules governing classified information. His efforts touched off a firestorm—and a counter-strike by Cheney's chief of staff, David Addington, who tried to wipe out Leonard's job. (Addington did not respond to requests for comment on the subject.)

Now, Leonard is quitting as director of the Archives' Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO)—the unit that monitors the handling of government secrets. He tells NEWSWEEK that his fight with Cheney's office was a "contributing" factor in his decision to retire after 34 years of government service.

Apparently part of the dispute results from the Vice President's contention that he is not part of the executive, but part of the legislature.