Janet to Republicans: Stick It!

Janet to Republicans: "Stick It!"

Tuesday, April 15th 1997 — Attorney General Janet Reno held her ground against Republican head-loppers yesterday, again refusing GOP calls for a special prosecutor to investigate White House fundraising practices. Unfortunately, Reno did not go far enough and failed to remind Clinton snipers that they too live in glass houses.

Reno peppered the House and Senate Judiciary Committee members with at least five letters reiterating her position that the Justice Department has not uncovered "specific and credible evidence" that a crime was committed by persons addressed under independent counsel laws. Reno also underscored the fact that the Justice Department is conducting a full investigation of its own on myriad allegations of White House wrong doing.

The Attorney General also telegraphed "Piffle" in answer to Republican charges that Reno's own investigation is subject to charges of conflict of interest because she is appointed by the President.

Reno, stressed that if and when the Justice Department finds information that does trigger the independent counsel statute - she will act quickly to reverse her decision.

Last week, House Speaker Newt Gingrich, in the spirit of dead Senator Joe McCarthy, threatened to have the House Judiciary Committee begin an investigation of Ms. Reno herself should she fail to ask for a special prosecutor.

The White House snapped back accusing Gingrich of dirty politics -- using Press Secretary Mike McCurry as the accuser.

It's clear that Gingrich and his shrinking cadre are not happy that the Justice Department is carrying on its own investigations. The reason?: Republicans need a new headline attacking the President to keep campaign scandals on the front burner.

What the GOP doesn't say is, that although Reno is a Clinton appointee, she has proven her independence from the White House inner circle by repeatedly appointing special prosecutors (four in all) during the President's first term.