Discord Among Republicans Over Clinton Investigation

Strategic Insights -

Sen. Arlen Specter dismissed a congressional censure of President Clinton as unwarranted, calling it "not worth a tinker's damn." This comment follows Republican leader Trent Lott's suggestion that censure might be necessary, sparking discord among the party over the investigation of Clinton's relationship with Monica Lewinsky. The situation has led to disagreements among prominent Republicans, including House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Sen. Fred Thompson.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sen. Arlen Specter, a Republican from Pennsylvania, has expressed skepticism about the value of a congressional censure of President Clinton, stating that it would be "not worth a tinker's damn."
  • Republican leader Trent Lott suggested that censure might be necessary, but this idea has divided the party, with some members disagreeing with the approach.
  • House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Sen. Fred Thompson have expressed differing opinions on the investigation, with Gingrich disagreeing with Lott's assertion that independent counsel Kenneth Starr should move quickly to end the investigation.
  • Sen. Fred Thompson stated that a censure resolution would be "legally inconsequential."
  • Sen. Arlen Specter suggests that Republicans should avoid pressing for impeachment proceedings unless there is an "open-and-shut case" against the president.
  • The Washington Post reported that Clinton testified in the Paula Jones sexual harassment case, stating that his secretary, Betty Currie, had initiated a job search for Monica Lewinsky.
  • The newspaper also reported that Clinton suggested that Currie may have asked if it was all right for her to call Vernon Jordan to seek help finding a job for Lewinsky.

Statistics:

  • 1/17: The date of Clinton's deposition in the Paula Jones case, in which he testified about his relationship with Monica Lewinsky.
  • 2: The number of days that Republican leader Trent Lott's comments on the investigation have run afoul of his GOP colleagues.
  • 1: The number of "tinke's damn" mentioned in Sen. Arlen Specter's statement on Fox News Sunday.
  • 1: The number of job openings initiated by Betty Currie for Monica Lewinsky, as per Clinton's testimony in the Paula Jones case.

Sources:

  • Fox News Sunday, interview with Sen. Arlen Specter.
  • CNN's Evans and Novak show, aired Saturday, interview with Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott.
  • The Washington Post, January 17 report.
  • ABC's This Week with Sam Donaldson and Cokie Roberts, interview with Sen. Fred Thompson.