Former New York Times reporter Judith Miller, on the stand in the perjury and obstruction of justice trial of Scooter Libby, is not under investigation by prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald in an unrelated case involving funding of Islamic extremists, despite an article in today’s New York Times that makes that claim. Fitzgerald made that clear in the first bit of business before Judge Reggie B. Walton.

Walton then moved on to a discussion of whether or not he would permit defense attorneys to question Miller about other sources besides Libby. Walton is indisposed to grant the defense much leeway in the matter, as he is concerned that it is beyond the scope of the current inquiry.

Miller of course spent 85 days in jail before testifying that Libby was one of her confidential sources. Now Libby’s attorneys want to find out whom else she was talking to. Under cross-examination yesterday, they sought to ask Miller about others who provided information about Plame.

‘’This is nothing more than classic 101 impeachment,'’ lead defense attorney Theodore Wells said. He further noted that the “very essence” of his examination of Miller concerns her credibility.

Judge Walton now indicates he will not allow attorneys to go “far afield” in permitting them to question Miller when she returns to the stand later this morning, since the op-ed article by Joseph Wilson that is at issue never mentioned his wife and has little to due with the matters before the court. He will allow them some latitude, however, particularly to explore statements Miller gave previously in her grand jury testimony.

“The real issue here is the wife,” Judge Walton says.

“It’s my belief that Miller cannot name any other sources,” says Jeffress. “It goes straight to the issue of her credibility.”

Walton says he may not have a problem with defense asking how many other individuals she may have spoken to regarding the matter of ‘the wife.” He also has no problem with them asking whom else she may have spoken to about Ambassador Wilson, but if Miller spoke with sources on matters that had nothing to do with Wilson or his wife, “I just don’t see how that’s relevant.

Jeffres says he us going to bring out that she had discussions with “senior and not so senior government officials” about Valerie Plame, Joseph Wilson, and this issue.

“That depends on what ‘the issue’ is!” responds Walton.

The ‘issue’ now seems clear as mud — at least here in the media room.

“This reminds me of every argument I’ve ever had with my wife,” remarks one reporter. “What exactly is the question we are arguing about again, honey?”

Judith Miller then takes the stand.