WASHINGTON – A newly released White House e-mail contradicts Attorney General Alberto Gonzales’ claim that he was not in the loop when eight federal prosecutors were fired.

The document released Thursday indicates that while he was still the chief White House lawyer, Gonzales was involved in discussions about firing some or all 93 U.S. attorneys. He became attorney general about a month later.

The e-mail was sent to Gonzales from Kyle Sampson, the chief of staff to the attorney general who has resigned over the flap.

The e-mail was titled “Question from Karl Rove,” referring to Bush’s political adviser.

In the end, eight federal prosecutors were fired.

Gonzales initially said he was not aware of political pressure to dismiss prosecutors and that he was not involved in the discussions, leaving them to Sampson.

The White House had also claimed that the idea of dismissing prosecutors began with former White House legal counsel Harriet Miers. The e-mail indicates it began with the political operative Rove.

Some Republicans and conservative commentators have said it’s time for Gonzales to go.

“I’ve thought he could survive up until now,” said a senior Bush political strategist. “But if he’s shown to be a liar by these e-mails, he can’t tough it out for long.”

Bush’s inner circle hasn’t yet concluded Gonzales is finished, he added, but chief of staff Josh Bolten and chief counsel Fred Fielding are concerned that the attorney general’s credibility has slipped badly with this week’s revelations.

Sen. Chuck Schumer said Rove must be called to account as well.

“New e-mails show conclusively that Karl Rove was in the middle of this mess from the beginning. It is now imperative that he testify before Congress,” said Schumer, D-N.Y.. “Statements from those involved have proved to be false, false, false, time after time after time.”

The White House and Justice Department denied that the e-mail repudiates their previous statements. “In no way does this contradict what we have said,” insisted Bush spokesman Tony Fratto, adding it was simply White House officials inquiring about potential plans.

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