Dean's 'Deep Throat' Book May Be Delayed

By: Ron Harris, Associated Press Writer (AP) Nixon White House counsel John Dean had been all set to lay out his latest theory Monday about the identity of the mysterious Watergate tipster who helped topple a presidency.

Online magazine Salon.com had promised in April that on the 30th anniversary of the June 17, 1972, Watergate burglary, "John Dean and Salon.com will unmask the real Deep Throat."

Now it seems, maybe not.

Dean said his Deep Throat information has been adamantly denied, and editors are making last-minute changes in the 40,000-word e-book.

"What's happened is, as the field has narrowed, the denials have become much more forceful. But there are only 'X' number of people out there who can fall into the clues and who could have been Deep Throat," Dean told The Associated Press.

Salon.com Managing Editor Scott Rosenberg said he's still aiming for a Monday publication date for the e-book. But he admitted what began as a project to remove the veil from one of America's greatest political mysteries has become more complex in recent days.

"The book has changed and may continue to change," he said.

The idea was to publish Dean's theories as an e-book available to paying subscribers, providing a financial boost to the struggling Internet company.

"I'm trying to shed as much light as possible on the mysterious Deep Throat. I have a lot of information," Dean said. He would not provide further details.

Dean served 127 days in prison for his part in the Watergate scandal after testifying before the Senate about President Nixon's efforts to cover up a break-in at Democratic National Committee headquarters. Nixon branded him as a traitor after the testimony.

Years ago, Dean named Watergate prosecutor Earl J. Silbert and Nixon chief of staff Alexander M. Haig as potential Deep Throats. Both men, and others, steadfastly have denied it.

Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward, who was guided by the secretive source, and colleague Carl Bernstein have never revealed Deep Throat's true identity. Woodward said he'll remain mum until Deep Throat dies.