Saturday, February 20, 1999 -- New York -- GOTCHA! 

Flashback: The House Judiciary Committee impeachment hearings. 

Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) is asking a visibly uncomfortable Kenneth W. Starr about leaks to the press alleged to have come from his office. Starr is bobbing and weaving, using carefully selective language. 

Frank gets to the meat of the issue, pointing out that Starr claimed he was unable to completely answer one of Frank's questions concerning leaks because "I [Starr] am operating under a sealed proceeding." 

Frank: "Sealed at your request -- correct?" 

Starr: "No, Mr. Frank. It is sealed by the chief judge based upon her determination of..." 

Frank interjects in mid-answer with another question. 

Late yesterday, the Associated Press reported that Rep. Frank has asked Attorney General Janet Reno to investigate whether Independent Counsel Ken Starr lied under oath during that testimony, following U.S. District Judge Norma Holloway Johnson's having unsealed the afore mentioned court documents, filed prior to Starr's Judiciary Committee testimony. Note the wording of the following request from Starr's office: 

"The Office of the Independent Counsel urges the court to keep the order under seal until the conclusion of the investigation by the special master and findings by this court." 

Gee, Kenny -- looks like you weren't entirely honest in your testimony -- unless, of course, you want to explain what the meaning of the word "no" is. 

'Nuff said. 

-- David J. Gonzo