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A L S O+T O D A Y
Starr Wars Nothing has changed Dear Ken Starr speaks A dozen questions Congress should ask Kenneth Starr T A B L E+T A L K
Discuss Ken Starr and his testimony in the Politics area of Table Talk
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STARR SPEAKS | PAGE 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22
KENDALL: Starr, I don't mean to interrupt you, but I've only got 30 minutes. STARR: Yes. I'm sorry. KENDALL: In fact, Judge Johnson had before her 24 submissions from us as to what might be leaks from the independent counsel's office, did she not? STARR: And we're in the process of litigating those, David, as you know. KENDALL: And how many did she find there was prima facie reason to believe that your office had committed these leaks? STARR: And I think you know the answer to that. Under the hair-trigger Barry standard where almost anything will satisfy, and the DC circuit noted that. You cited the DC circuit's opinion. The DC circuit's opinion makes it very clear, as you know, David, that the burden on the moving party is quite limited. That's not a quote, but that's the idea. It's a very limited version that you have. KENDALL: I think the answer to my question was all 24. And are you saying that the journalists invented sources like "Prosecutors painted a different picture," "Sources in Starr's office tell us," "Sources near Starr," "Prosecutors suggest" -- does the media make up those quotes, Starr? STARR: I'm not here to accuse the media of anything. I am here to say that fairness requires us to be able to litigate this matter, which, as you well know, is under seal, and to litigate that in an orderly way and then to come to a judgment as to the significance of that. But I will simply say that the law of this circuit makes it quite easy for you to say, "Look at this sourcing. I get to now put the burden on the prosecutor to come forward and show evidence that the prosecutor is not the source." KENDALL: Starr -- STARR: And David, that's what we're doing. KENDALL: Starr, in fact, there has been no case remotely similar to this in terms of the massive leaking from the prosecutor's office, and I think we know that. STARR: I totally disagree with that. That's an accusation and it's an unfair accusation. I completely reject it. And I would say, David, let's wait until the litigation has concluded. You're asking to -- and especially with the rules being what they are on a prima facie case, you're asking, "Let's now come to judgment" after about 10 minutes of the first half. That's not fair. KENDALL: May I direct your attention now to the exhibit that we have displayed up there? It's 27. STARR: This is -- I'm sorry -- number 27? KENDALL: Yes. It's your press release on the first day of the Lewinsky story breaking. It's a press release on the letterhead of the Independent Counsel's Office. We secured it from your office through a Freedom of Information Act request. It's under your name. It says, "Independent Counsel Kenneth W. Starr issued the following statement today from his office in Washington DC." And then it says, "Because of confidentiality requirements, we are unable to comment on any aspect of our work." Is that what you announced to the world on January 21st? STARR: Yes. And I must say, I think that this is inconsistent with the duty of a prosecutor to provide appropriate and lawful public information. I think it is the duty of the prosecutor to combat the dissemination of misinformation, as long as the prosecutor can do that without violating his or her obligations under Rule 6(e). And that's the position, David, as you know, of the Justice Department. KENDALL: Did you issue any press release admitting that you were talking about aspects of your investigation? STARR: I'm sorry. Could you say that again? KENDALL: After the press release which you now said -- and I've forgotten your exact phrase; what was it? -- that you would not have issued it now? STARR: Well, no -- KENDALL: Does it depend on what you mean by "comment"? STARR: No, in terms of being able to provide a public information function, it depends upon how broadly one wants to read a particular document. This is not a legal document. It's a statement of policy. And ordinarily, in contrast to what most prosecutors do, we try to treat all individuals -- those, for example, charged with crime -- with complete fairness. We do not go out and hold press conferences and the like. That is our methodology and our approach. But we follow Justice Department policy. And I frankly think that this comment is an overbroad statement because it's incompatible with DOJ policy. KENDALL: It is your comment, though, Starr. It's what you wanted the world to think you were doing in the Lewinsky investigation. Is that not a fact? It is your press release. STARR: Well, except I think it is still -- you're talking about a press release. You're not talking about a filing in court and the like. And what we were in fact doing virtually contemporaneous with this, was issuing -- it may not have been contemporaneously, and perhaps you'll guide me to that -- but we were being accused, and we've heard it all day long today about the events at the Ritz- Carlton. And I felt duty-bound to provide public information that I thought was appropriate, about the conditions that Ms. Lewinsky found herself in, and that the character assassination by her then- attorneys, no longer her -- or at least one is no longer her attorneys. REP. HYDE: Kendall, your time is up. You may want to get into the facts. So, do you need additional time? KENDALL: I think I would like additional time. REP. HYDE: How much -- KENDALL: Chairman Hyde -- REP. HYDE: -- time would you like? KENDALL: I think that the analysis -- I believe -- I'm sorry. What'd you say? HYDE: I was going to say, is 15 minutes helpful? KENDALL: I'd like -- that won't be enough, Your Honor. REP. HYDE: You're being coached by Ms. Waters here, now. That doesn't count. How much -- KENDALL: Your Honor, I would like another hour. REP. HYDE: Another 30 minutes? KENDALL: Could I have another hour? (Audience groans.) REP. HYDE: How about 30, so you can get into the facts? KENDALL: I thank the chair for 30 minutes. I think, though that these are the facts, Your Honor. How this analysis was done, the campaign to disseminate information against the president, is very much a part of the fairness of the document which our committee is having to consider. REP. HYDE: Very well. KENDALL: Is the analysis reliable, is it fair? Does it present the facts? Have proper procedures been followed? REP. HYDE: I see. Well, the gentleman is recognized, then, for an additional 30 minutes, but that should wind it up. So, you have 30 more minutes. KENDALL: Thank you. Starr, you were right. You did issue a press conference about Ms. Lewinsky's treatment at the Ritz- Carlton. That was a press release that was on the record. Everybody knew you were saying that. You were accountable. To use your phrase, you were transparent. But you also spoke frequently on background to the press. And my question to you is -- you and those around you, your subordinates. STARR: Yes. Be careful when you say the "you," because I do not speak frequently or otherwise to the press. KENDALL: But did Professor Dasch give you any advice as to what should be on background, and what on the record? STARR: We discussed with Sam a variety of issues. I would have to search my recollection with respect to any specific observations that Sam gave us with respect to this. But let me say this. If you look at -- because your comments to the chairman, who you called "Your Honor," and I've been tempted to do that most of the day, because you and I are both accustomed to being in courthouses. When you look at the information that we had in our office, and the FBI, as opposed to information that you had access to, it never, never entered the public domain. For example, the dress, the DNA, the test results. Those were never in the public domain, because you did not have a witness in your joint defense arrangements, who you could debrief and tell you. Because it was the distinguished judge who was the head of the FBI, and a handful of -- no. You talked about fairness. It's time for some fairness with respect to all of these charges that keep being bandied around, without any kind of judicial determination that there is, in fact, wrongdoing under 6(e). KENDALL: My question was simpler, Starr. STARR: Yes. KENDALL: My question was, why would you speak on background? Why not be accountable? Why not be transparent? I have never protested a press release which you have issued, have I? STARR: No, you have not. KENDALL: And I think that there may well be times as a prosecutor, when it's necessary to correct information, you've sometimes done that. It's necessary to get the facts out, so that people are not misguided. But why speak off the record, on background? Why not be accountable? STARR: It depends on the circumstances. And I will say this. I believe the Justice Department practice -- it certainly was the practice when I was there, I will hazard that it's still the practice of the Justice Department, that these are judgment calls as to whether the prosecutor wants to make herself or himself part of the story. A specific example. If someone comes to us with a specific allegation of wrongdoing on the part of one of our prosecutors, and it may be a criminal defense lawyer who has said, "The prosecutor did the following bad things," it may be utterly bogus because people do in fact lie about what happens to their clients. And I'm sorry to say that. We do not want to in any way be part of a story as to whether -- and obviously we can't talk about matters occurring before the grand jury, but we can in fact respond to a suggestion that the FBI in some way, or a prosecutor in some way conducted herself or himself improperly. But it is quite wise to say -- KENDALL: Then why not say it on the record? Why the secrecy? STARR: Because -- and you're asking essentially press policy as opposed to constitutional issues that have brought us all here. And if this is an oversight hearing with respect to the press policy of the Independent Counsel's Office, or if that's what the president's lawyer wants to spend his time doing, then that is your prerogative. So let me tell you then what our press policy is. KENDALL: Well, Starr, I've only got 30 minutes. I've asked you, I think, a simple question. But let me move on. You, yourself, executed an affidavit in the leaks investigation, did you not? STARR: David, this matter is in litigation. And, Chairman, as a matter of fairness, I have to be careful about what I say because he may tell me that it's not under -- it's just not right to be in litigation under seal before the District Court, and to be cross-examined by the president's attorney with respect to that matter which seems to have no germaneness whatever, although -- KENDALL: Starr, I was going to ask you about an affidavit, a sworn declaration which you, yourself, executed, which is not under seal, in the leaks proceeding. But I will move on if this -- if this is not something you want to respond to. STARR: Well, David, I just think if you're talking about the leaks litigation, that's the point; it is in litigation. Why don't we allow that litigation to go forward instead of individuals, members of Congress who talk about fairness, jumping to the conclusion that there has been a violation when there's been no adjudication of anything beyond the existence under the law of this Circuit of a prima facie case. That is unfair. It's unfair to my career prosecutors, it's unfair to investigators, it's wrong. And just to finish the point, when we had highly sensitive information that Kendall did not have -- the DNA on the dress -- that was held in our office and the FBI. There was no dissemination of that information. But what happens is Kendall and others interview witnesses -- and any criminal defense lawyer, and if you see fit to inquire into the joint defense arrangement in existence here, I would be grateful. And I know you want to move forward with these proceedings. But the joint defense arrangement that has been effect in this operation is a very significant aspect of the very issues that Kendall is now raising before this committee, because one of the issues in 6(e) -- KENDALL: Mr. Starr, excuse me. Could I direct your attention to Tab 15? I think you've answered the question, and I would like to move on. I am running against the clock. STARR: I'm sorry, Kendall. I've been here since 10:00, so forgive me. KENDALL: I know. And it -- I will move on. Carol Bruce, Ms. Carol Bruce was appointed independent counsel to investigate the Indian gambling casino matter, was she not? STARR: Yes, the Secretary Babbitt matters, yes. KENDALL: Are you aware of her press policy? STARR: No, I'm not. KENDALL: It's indicated there at Tab 15 that she held a press conference when she was appointed, and then said she did not anticipate making any further public comments until the investigation is completed. You mentioned the experience of Ms. Lewinsky at the Ritz-Carlton on Friday, January the 16th, 1998. One of the reasons your agents held Ms. Lewinsky -- STARR: That is -- I have to interrupt. That is -- that premise is false. KENDALL: I was not meaning to be offensive. Let me rephrase it. STARR: That is false, and you know it to be false. KENDALL: Well, I'll rephrase the question. STARR: She was not held. KENDALL: She -- her own psychological state will speak for itself. As to how she felt, it's in the record in her testimony. STARR: You said she was held. You didn't say how she felt. You said she was held, and I think that's unfair to our investigators, and this issue has been litigated, David, as you well know, with respect to the constitutional rights of the individual involved. Excuse me. KENDALL: During her sojourn with your agents. STARR: Well, the Ritz-Carlton is a very pleasant place to have a sojourn. KENDALL: One of the purposes was to get Ms. Lewinsky to wear a recording device and surreptitiously record Jordan or the president, was it not? STARR: It was not. And I know that there is testimony, and this has been referred to, but let me explain. She was asked and given the opportunity, which she turned down, to be a cooperating witness. And we explained to her -- we did not invent this; this is all traditional prosecutorial activity and techniques -- and we said one of the things that a cooperating witness can do is to assist us in consensual monitoring. We described that at a high level of generality. It is my understanding, and I believe my prosecutors in fact conducted themselves consistently with what I have just told you. KENDALL: Could you turn to Tab 7, and could we have -- STARR: I'm sorry, Tab 7? KENDALL: Yes, Tab 7 of the binder. You may have read the Time Magazine essay -- essay, excuse me, my Mssrs. Ginsberg and Speights in which they state the following: "The government didn't just want our client to tell her story. They wanted her wired. They wanted her to record telephone calls with the president of the United States, Vernon Jordan and others at their will." You're familiar with Ginsberg's charge? STARR: Ginsberg is wrong, and he must know that he is wrong. He was wrong then, and it is a calumny to repeat that now. Ginsberg was not known for his consistency of articulating positions. I would say that he was rather fast and loose with the facts. And if you are going to rely in this proceeding on a Time magazine essay by Bill Ginsburg, then I think the standards are not quite as lofty as I thought they would be this evening. KENDALL: Starr, what is an FBI 302 Form? STARR: An FBI 302 Form is a report of an interview by FBI agents with a witness. KENDALL: You categorically denied wanting to have Ms. Lewinsky wear a wire or secretly tape-record the president or Jordan when the charge was made in the Time article; did you not? You categorically denied that. STARR: Are you saying at the time of this Time article? KENDALL: At the time of that Time article, you denied Ginsburg's charge, did you not? STARR: I believe that we did, but I'm just not recalling specifically how we did it -- KENDALL: You certainly denied it, and there was a -- STARR: He had a number of charges, so you'll have to remind me of where my rebuttal was. KENDALL: All right. Let me direct you to Tab 12 in the volume. And this is the later -- your later editor -- your later letter to Steve Brill. We're displaying the page there. And it's page seven. You don't have to read your entire letter. STARR: Okay, page seven. KENDALL: Yes. Do you see where it's indented six? It's Tab 12, page seven of the exhibit, your own letter. You say, "This is false. This office never asked Ms. Lewinsky to agree to wire herself for a conversation with Jordan or the president. You cite no source at all, nor could you, as we had no such plans." Have I read correctly your letter? STARR: Yes, you have. KENDALL: All right. Now, when you wrote the letter, did you review -- you were not present at the Ritz-Carlton, were you? STARR: No, I was not. KENDALL: Did you review with Emmick, for example, what had happened there? STARR: Yes, I have reviewed with a number -- well, in terms of this particular letter. But if you're asking did I review the events of the Ritz-Carlton in connection with this, as opposed to what we had already done in terms of the allegations being made at or around the time, I do have very vivid recollections of discussions with respect to the circumstances of -- KENDALL: Do you remember if you reviewed -- STARR: -- of the Ritz-Carlton. KENDALL: I'm sorry. STARR: But I'm just not -- you're asking me, in connection with this letter, did I have a conversation with one of my colleagues. And I would have to review notes and so forth. KENDALL: I apologize for my speed, but I don't have much time. I don't usually talk this fast, Starr. Would you look at page -- Tab 13? STARR: Okay. KENDALL: Tab 13 is the FBI 302 Form describing -- that's not Ginsburg or Speights, is it? That's one of your own agents. We don't know who, because the name is blacked out. But if you look at page five of that exhibit, it says -- at 11:22 p.m. It says, "AIC Emmick talked to Bernard Lewinsky" -- that is Ms. Lewinsky's father -- "cooperation and interview, telephone calls, body wires, and testimony were mentioned." Do you see that? STARR: Yes, I do. KENDALL: And then do you see down below, below the 11:37 entry, Ms. Lewis has arrived on the scene -- Ms. Lewinsky's mother -- and she expresses -- Ms. Lewinsky has expressed concern about what's been requested of her. She says, according to the FBI 302, "What if I partially cooperate?" That's as recorded by the FBI agent. "Marsha Lewis asked what would happen if Monica Lewinsky gave everything but did not tape anything?" Do you see that? STARR: Yes, I do. KENDALL: It was in the grand jury that the events of Friday, January the 16th were presented through the testimony of Ms. Lewinsky; was it not? It was at her second appearance? STARR: Yes, I believe that's right. KENDALL: And do you remember -- and this -- do you have the appendices to your volume? STARR: I can get them. KENDALL: I don't think we'll need to because this is a famous passage. The grand jurors -- your prosecutors had no more questions, and the grand jurors themselves began to inquire about the events that day. One of them said, at page 1143, "We want to know about that day. We really want to know about that day." And this elicited, then, from Ms. Lewinsky, who was under oath, a tearful description of what had happened to her. She asked Emmick to leave the room; did she not? STARR: That's my recollection of the transcript; yes. KENDALL: And in fact, she said that she was told on Friday, January the 16th, by your agents, that she'd have to place calls or wear a wire to see -- to call Betty and Jordan and possibly the president. Question: "And did you tell them you didn't want to do that?" "Yes." Was that Ms. Lewinsky's testimony? STARR: Yes, that is her testimony. KENDALL: I think the point was made earlier, but the affidavit that Ms. Lewinsky filed had not been mailed by her attorney until the end of the day Friday, January the 16th, had it? STARR: I believe that's right in terms of the timing that -- but I would have to reconstruct that in terms of the actual timing of the mailing. I'm sorry, I would have to double check that. KENDALL: Starr, you've repeatedly said that the attorney general asked you to take on this matter, the Lewinsky -- STARR: Well, that's your characterization. I have said that we collaborated with the Justice Department, and the attorney general came to her decision. We brought it to her attention. We did say that we thought that the steps that we'd taken had been within our jurisdiction, but we were concerned about whether any additional step could be taken properly within our jurisdiction. And that's how the discussions began. KENDALL: In fact, you requested that the matter be referred to you; did you not? STARR: At some point during the discussion, in our own deliberations, we came to the view that we felt that because of the involvement -- and I'll be very specific here -- of Vernon Jordan, that this was related to our existing jurisdiction. The attorney general disagreed with that, but that was our view. Here was Linda Tripp, who was a witness in the Travel Office matter, in the Vincent Foster documents matter and the Vincent Foster death matter, and she had come to us with information. And so we felt very comfortable -- and she said, "I'm being asked to commit crimes. I'm being asked to commit perjury." We felt comfortable that we were within our jurisdiction at that juncture, but we did feel that there was a jurisdictional issue from that point forward, which we worked on collaboratively with the Justice Department. But we did in fact send a letter indicating that we felt that this was related to our jurisdiction. But I hasten to note that the attorney general disagreed with that and said no, it's not related to your existing jurisdiction, but we think your office should investigate it; we can't because the president is implicated. KENDALL: In her transmission to the Special Division, the attorney general stated, "Independent Counsel Starr has requested that this matter be referred to him." Is that not the case? STARR: Well, you'll have to refer me. Where are you? KENDALL: I'm sorry, I don't have that in your binder, but -- STARR: Okay. Yes, well yes, David -- yes - KENDALL: -- I will represent to you that sentence in her -- STARR: I'm certainly going to accede to your representation. And it certainly is true, as I just indicated, that we did in fact send a written submission indicating that we felt that this was related to our jurisdiction. The attorney general felt we should have jurisdiction, but disagreed that under the statute it should be an expansion of our existing jurisdiction. KENDALL: Starr, when did you first learn, you yourself, that there might be an audiotape with a conversation involving the president and a young woman? STARR: The young woman -- KENDALL: A young woman. STARR: Monica -- I'm sorry? KENDALL: A young woman. STARR: Oh, I think we've had questions about that, and I have been asked that, and I am searching my recollection, but let me say this. If you are talking about Monica Lewinsky -- and I don't know that you are -- you didn't use her name -- but the first I knew, to the best of my knowledge and recollection, of Monica Lewinsky was in January of 1998. Now, I had questions and they seemed to me to suggest that there is some information with respect to information that may have come to me in November of 1997 with respect to tapes -- it was all very vague and enshrouded in mystery. And I said I will be happy to respond if I get some additional information. With respect to Monica Lewinsky, which I assume is what we're here to talk about, I did not know anything about Monica Lewinsky, to the best of my recollection -- I don't think I ever had occasion to meet her or otherwise hear about her until January of 1998. KENDALL: Were you aware of how Ms. Tripp came to communicate with your office in January of 1988? STARR: I was told -- I will be very specific -- and I can be very brief. I was at a American Bar Association Journal Board of Editors meeting when the initial contact was made with one of the associate independent counsels. I do not believe -- and that was on January 8th -- and I do not believe in that contact Linda Tripp's name was mentioned. That information was brought back to Washington. The information was conveyed to a deputy independent counsel who said information comes in the front door -- and I am not sure at that time that we knew who this person was. We were then called on January 12th by Linda Tripp -- that was a telephone call -- and I was made aware of the telephone call promptly thereafter. And that's when it was brought to my attention that there was information that we would proceed to act on. KENDALL: Were you aware that your partner, Richard Corder (sp), had played a role in steering Ms. Tripp to your office? STARR: I know Richard. I am not aware of what his role was. I have since read about what his role was. But I did not in any way have any involvement whatsoever, or participation in in any way, with whatever he did. And I have not conducted an investigation. There may be facts of which I am unaware that I should be aware in terms of before I formulated a complete response. KENDALL: Could you turn to Tab Two, Starr? It's a provision of the independent counsel statute. It's 28 U.S.C. 594(j) -- you see that? STARR: Yes, I do. KENDALL: In that you've made the point that you kept your law practice, as you were legally entitled to do. You made I think over a million dollars each year for the last four from that law practice, again as you were legally entitled to do. But in exchange for allowing private counsel to serve part-time as independent counsel, the Ethics in Government Act enforces a very strict conflict of interest rule, did it not? And that's -- STARR: Yes, it's very specific, yes. KENDALL: And that says that any independent counsel cannot have any person associated with a firm -- not just a partner -- represent in any matter any person involved in any investigation or prosecution under this chapter. Is that correct? STARR: I believe that's right. I would have to reread it, but I am going to simply accept your representation. But I think that is correct. KENDALL: Can I call your attention to Exhibit Four, which is another 302 interview form? And that is for Ms. Lucianne Goldberg -- Tab Four. STARR: Yes, I do have it. KENDALL: At page 1232 of the exhibit do you see that one of your agents is describing why Linda Tripp is nervous? And -- STARR: I'm sorry, I have not read this 302 -- KENDALL: It's 1232. STARR: Yes, I'm there, but what paragraph? KENDALL: All right, it's the paragraph that begins, "In the meantime, because Tripp." STARR: It's not on my page 1232. KENDALL: I beg your pardon. It's 1231. Okay, I'm sorry. Goldberg called around to friends she has, including one in Chicago who works at the same firm Ken Starr does. This person recommended Goldberg to call Jackie Bennett at the OIC. Goldberg advised that the OIC knew who this person is, and that this person is very nervous at this time. Did you ever have any reports from any source that some person at your law firm had expressed nervousness about this contact with Linda Tripp? STARR: You're talking about at any time -- KENDALL: Yes. STARR: Well, you just brought to my attention. But I am -- I do not -- no, I do not have a recollection of something being brought -- you're talking about to my attention? No. KENDALL: Did you -- did you cause any check to be made at any time before you sought jurisdiction in the Lewinsky matter as to whether any person in your law firm had any kind of an association with the Paula Jones case? STARR: No, I did not. But I must say what you pointed me to in the statute was representation. And I've read the 302 quickly for the first time -- I have not had occasion to read this 302. And the 302 does not talk about representation; it talks about calling a friend. KENDALL: It's possible, is it not, Starr, for the provision of legal advice of some kind to involve a representation, at least for conflict of interest purposes, even if there is no written attainer, there is no formal hiring of a person? STARR: Well, I am not sure I would readily agree with that. And let me just say this: conflict of interest analysis is, as you well know, because you are a partner in a very prestigious law firm, is very technical and very complicated, and very careful evaluation has to be made, and that's why I am sure at your firm, as we do at our firm, the firm on which I am on leave of absence, we have a partner who is dedicated to the issue -- to the analysis of these very issues. So these are things that you assess all the facts. What is a conflict? As you know, the issue of conflict is one that is at times a very -- very much a judgment call that reasonable persons have to have an enormous amount of information in order to come to that judgment. KENDALL: Starr, can I direct your attention to exhibit at Tab 14 please? Do you have that exhibit? STARR: Yes, I do. KENDALL: That is a Washington Post article from June of 1997 indicating that your investigators are now probing rumors about the president, is it not? STARR: It is an article about that subject, yes. KENDALL: And indicating that state troopers, two who are named and quoted -- Ronnie Anderson and Roger Perry (sp) -- are being interviewed about rumors of affairs that the president had while he was governor of Arkansas. Is that correct? STARR: That's what the story is about. But whether the story reflects the facts is obviously a different matter. KENDALL: Did you cause any investigation to be done as to whether, in fact, your investigators were asking witnesses about a list of 12 to 15 women by name, including Paula Corbin Jones? STARR: When this -- and we were in Little Rock at the time; namely, all the attorneys were in Little Rock as we were assessing a very important issue. And when we were in the midst of our discussions, we were receiving urgent inquiries from the Washington Post asking about interviews. And you're quite right in pointing out that this was a Washington Post piece from June of '97. They were talking about interviews that had been conducted in February. So it was old news. And we did then inquire -- in light of this, we then did make inquiries internally of the FBI, because these are professional agents. And we said, "What kinds of questions are being asked? What is the purpose?" And the purpose of the investigation was, as we were moving forward in the Little Rock phase of our investigation, we wanted to make sure, as investigators should do and as prosecutors should do, that we had reached out and interviewed anyone who might have relevant information. And that's what we were doing. We were, in fact -- KENDALL: And the relevance of this -- did you go to the attorney general and seek an expansion of your jurisdiction to accompany this particular investigation? STARR: I guess I wasn't clear. This was the Whitewater phase of our investigation that is referenced here in the Post. We're talking about Little Rock. We're not talking about activity in Washington. And we were, in fact, interviewing, as good prosecutors, good investigators do, individuals who would have information that may be relevant to our inquiry about the president's involvement in Whitewater, in Madison Guaranty Savings & Loan and the like, and specifically a loan from Madison Guaranty that we had information on and which we were not able to secure as much information as we would like, given the records of the bank and given Susan McDougal's lack of cooperation. KENDALL: And -- STARR: As you well know, Susan McDougal was not cooperating with the investigation. And indeed, as we know, you spent time with Susan McDougal during the course of the trial, representing the president's interest, to communicate with her, as you're entitled to do. We're also entitled -- just as you're entitled to reach out to your fellow criminal defense lawyers, we're entitled to reach out to witnesses who may have relevant information. KENDALL: Did you use private investigators to do this investigation into the 12 to 15 women? STARR: I beg your pardon? Private investigators? KENDALL: Yes. Your GAO report -- STARR: Oh, I'm sorry. KENDALL: -- for the last three times has a line item of approximately -- it varies, but it's about half a million dollars for, among other things, private investigators. STARR: No, we have never hired Terry Lensner, David. KENDALL: What is that -- STARR: But -- KENDALL: -- "private investigative expense"? STARR: But what we do do is we do hire retired FBI agents. And those are -- you know, I'll have to look at the -- you're talking about an audit report. And if you want to guide me to the audit report, that's fine. HYDE: Well, the chair has got to intervene. The hour is over quite a little bit. Lowell and Kendall have had two hours. Schippers has been waiting since 10:00 and is getting testy, which is his natural state. But Kendall, you will have an opportunity, a further opportunity, to present and address the committee at length, in extenso, as you lawyers say, and offer whatever evidence, exculpatory or otherwise, you want. You'll have a full opportunity before we go to any markup, if we go to a markup. So really, it's a long day. One must have some compassion for Starr. And -- STARR: Thank you, Chairman. KENDALL: Chairman, I thank you, but I would simply request -- Starr testified for two and a quarter hours. I'm simply trying to get my fair crack at him. I would like to go into omissions from the referral and other areas. : Chairman -- HYDE: Well, I'm sure -- KENDALL: It's been a long day. I would come back tomorrow if that were appropriate. HYDE: Well, I don't think many of us want to come back tomorrow. But you will have a -- really, you will have an opportunity to address the committee fully and produce whatever you want by way of evidence, witnesses, exculpatory material. We will not foreclose you. But the night is waning, and we'd like to get to Schippers. So with your kind indulgence -- and I see you're putting your glasses away, which is a healthy sign. KENDALL: Thank you, Chairman. HYDE: Starr, do you want a little break, or -- STARR: No, Chairman. HYDE: Okay. We're at the final -- STARR: We're almost at my bedtime, so -- HYDE: All right. We're past mine, I can assure you. WATERS: Chairman? HYDE: The gentlelady from California. WATERS: I'd like to inquire of the chair. What opportunity will we have to clarify what appears to have been conflicting information that we have received here today from our star witness? HYDE: I'd write a letter to Starr, if I were you. If I were confused about some of the evidence, I'd write him a nice letter and I'd say, "Please straighten me out." And I'll bet he'd answer you. WATERS: Well, I think it's a little deeper than that. It may go to perjury. This man is under oath. HYDE: Well, he is under oath. Are you charging him with perjury? WATERS: I would like clarification. And after the clarification is made, I can determine whether or not I would make that charge. HYDE: Well, Ms. Waters, the chair has to control this committee. We have been at it all day. And I think what you're asking at this late moment is an imposition on the committee, not to mention Starr. So you would not be recognized for that purpose. But I will recognize Schippers for 30 minutes.
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