Clinton's Lawyer Seeks Early Access to Starr's Report on President's Impeachment

In a letter to Kenneth Starr, President Clinton's lawyer David Kendall has requested access to the independent counsel's report on the president's impeachment before it is delivered to Congress. Kendall argues that the White House should be able to see the report early in order to formulate a written reply, citing "fundamental fairness" as the basis for this request. This move appears to be part of the White House's defense against possible impeachment hearings and an erosion of support among Democrats.

Key Takeaways:

• David Kendall, President Clinton's lawyer, has asked for a chance to study the report prepared by Kenneth Starr before it is delivered to Congress, citing "fundamental fairness".
• The White House is seeking to formulate a written reply to Starr's report, which is expected to be submitted in tandem with the report to either Judge Norma Holloway Johnson or Congress.
• Starr's original mandate was to investigate Clinton's role in the Whitewater land deal, but his responsibilities have been expanded to include determining whether Clinton used illegal means to cover up his relationship with Monica Lewinsky.
• Clinton admitted to an "improper relationship" with Lewinsky on August 17, and Starr's report is expected to complete the over 4-year investigation by the end of the month.
• A Clinton supporter has expressed concern that the president's approval ratings may be affected by the growing support for impeachment hearings.
• A Clinton supporter said that the White House has relied on polling and missed the real danger of the political slow burn that began moments after the president's August 17 speech.

Statistics:

• Over 4 years: the length of Starr's investigation into Clinton's impeachment
• August 17: the date Clinton admitted to an "improper relationship" with Monica Lewinsky
• By the end of the month: the expected completion of Starr's report on Clinton's impeachment
• 1998: the year Starr's investigation was authorized to expand to include Clinton's relationship with Lewinsky
• January 1998: the month Starr's responsibilities were expanded to include investigating Clinton's relationship with Lewinsky

Sources:

• United Press International
• New York Times