Impeachment Inquiry Enters Critical Phase as Republicans Face Shifting Dynamics

Strategic Insights -

The House Judiciary Committee is set to re-air the Monica Lewinsky scandal, with the president and Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr both making moves that could influence the fate of impeachment. Despite the president's payment to Paula Jones to settle her sexual harassment lawsuit and Starr's re-indictment of Clinton friend Webster Hubbell, the committee's Republicans remain committed to their constitutional duty to impeach. However, the election's impact has frightened many Republicans, and the Democrats have shifted strategies, now calling for more witnesses and testimony.

Key Takeaways:

  • The House Judiciary Committee's impeachment inquiry is poised to be a contentious and drawn-out process, with Republicans and Democrats holding different views on the necessity of impeachment.
  • Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr has sent further investigative materials to Congress, including details about an encounter between Clinton and former White House volunteer Kathleen Willey, and re-indicted Clinton friend Webster Hubbell.
  • The committee's Republicans have stated their commitment to fulfilling their constitutional duty to impeach the president, citing the evidence they have in hand and the constitutional standard of "bribery, treason, and other high crimes and misdemeanors."
  • However, the Democrats have shifted strategies, now calling for more witnesses and testimony in the inquiry, including cross-examining key players in the scandal.
  • The committee's inquiry can follow three basic paths: no impeachment vote, a failed vote, or a successful vote, with the latter possibility seeming increasingly uncertain.
  • The resignation of House Speaker Newt Gingrich has given committee chairman Rep. Henry Hyde more freedom to run the inquiry.
  • The less hard-line Republicans on the Judiciary Committee, such as Reps. Mary Bono, Asa Hutchinson, Lindsey Graham, Steve Buyer, and James Rogan, could be crucial in the committee's decision, as they have hinted at switching their positions on impeachment.

Statistics:

  • $850,000: The amount the president agreed to pay Paula Jones to settle her sexual harassment lawsuit.
  • 3: The number of times Clinton friend Webster Hubbell has been indicted by Starr-run grand juries in connection with the Whitewater land deal.
  • 1998: The year the scandal began to unfold.
  • 4 years: The duration of Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr's investigation into the White House.

Sources:

  • Washington _ (author not specified)
  • Michael Gerhardt, law professor at William and Mary College in Williamsburg, VA
  • Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas
  • Rep. Bob Livingston, R-La.
  • Rep. Henry Hyde, R-Ill.
  • Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y.
  • Webster Hubbell
  • Kathleen Willey
  • Vernon Jordan
  • Linda Tripp