President George W Bush feels "terrible for the family of judge Walton, especially for his wife and kids after Cheney went after him," said White House spokeswoman Dana Perino.

Vice-President Cheney said, "Libby’s prison sentence was a tragedy and a personal insult because if Libby is guilty then so am I and Bush."

"Scooter is also a friend, and on a personal level my wife Lynne and I remain deeply saddened by this tragedy so I have decided to get Walton," he said in statement.

US District Judge Reggie B Walton said he was leaving town on the first bus.

"People who occupy my type of position appointed by the Cheney gang, where they have the welfare and security of the nation in their hands, have a special obligation not do be afraid of Cheney but in this case I’m off," Judge Walton said from the bus station.