Clinton Investigation Expands to Second Witness in Paula Jones Case

Strategic Insights -

The investigation into President Clinton's actions in the Paula Jones case has expanded to include a second witness, Kathleen Willey, who is a former White House aide and friend of Monica Lewinsky. Willey is set to be called before the grand jury as early as this week to answer questions about whether she was urged to deny an alleged sexual encounter with the President. The trial judge in the Jones lawsuit has rejected a request by the media to lift her gag order in the case and reaffirmed her decision to bar the introduction of the Lewinsky matter at trial.

Key Takeaways:

  • The investigation into President Clinton's actions in the Paula Jones case has expanded to include a second witness, Kathleen Willey, who is a former White House aide and friend of Monica Lewinsky.
  • Willey is set to be called before the grand jury as early as this week to answer questions about whether she was urged to deny an alleged sexual encounter with the President.
  • Recent news reports have said that Nathan Landow, a wealthy Maryland Democratic Party fund-raiser with close ties to Vice President Gore, urged Willey to deny that Clinton made a sexual advance toward her.
  • Former White House aide Linda Tripp said in a sworn statement that Willey told her about a sexual encounter she allegedly had with the President in November 1993.
  • Willey has given a similar account in her deposition in the Jones case, and her account is important to the Jones team in its effort to show a pattern of sexual harassment by the President.
  • Prosecutors appear to be trying to learn whether Senior Presidential Aide Bruce Lindsey had any role in helping Lewinsky prepare a document that directed Tripp to tell the Jones lawyers that she now does not believe Willey was groped by the President.
  • Lindsey has denied any involvement in helping Lewinsky prepare the document.

Statistics:

  • The meeting between Bill Clinton and Kathleen Willey lasted 10 minutes or more (The Washington Post).
  • Clinton denied groping Willey in the hallway between the Oval Office and his dining room, but admitted to embracing her and may have kissed her on the forehead, but not in a sexual manner (The Washington Post).
  • Willey is a former White House volunteer who was seeking a job at the White House when she met with Clinton in November 1993 (The Washington Post).

Sources:

  • The Washington Post
  • The Washington Post
  • Newsweek
  • The Washington Post