Kenneth W. Starr: From Whitewater to Potential Clinton Indictment

Strategic Insights -

Kenneth W. Starr, the long-time Whitewater prosecutor, emerged from his office on Pennsylvania Avenue into a media frenzy on Thursday, his facial composure strained but his determination unwavering. Just over a year ago, Starr was criticized for his handling of the Whitewater probe and faced ridicule from adversaries and his own staff. However, the latest allegations of sex-and-subornation could potentially bring him toppling the Clinton White House. "I have a very strong belief in facts and in truth, and that the facts will come out and the truth will come out eventually, consistent with the presumption of innocence," he said.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kenneth W. Starr, the 51-year-old Texan, is on the verge of potentially toppling the Clinton White House with the latest sex-and-subornation allegations.
  • Starr has been criticized for his handling of the Whitewater probe and faced ridicule from adversaries and his own staff, but he remains determined to see his job to a successful conclusion.
  • Starr is a deeply religious man who teaches Sunday school, reads the Bible in the morning, and wears plain, off-the-rack suits.
  • He has been a key figure in the controversies surrounding the Clinton White House, including the Paula Jones sexual harassment suit and the Monica Lewinsky scandal.
  • Starr has spent over $25.6 million on the Whitewater investigation since he was appointed special counsel in August 1994.
  • He has been criticized for continuing to teach law at New York University and represent clients for the law firm of Kirkland & Ellis, which paid him $1.12 million in 1996.
  • Starr's close friend Alex Kozinski, a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, says that Starr is "not a vindictive person, but he has a job to do."
  • Starr has been considered for a number of high-profile judicial positions, including a seat on the Supreme Court.

Statistics:

  • Over $25.6 million has been spent on the Whitewater investigation since Starr was appointed special counsel in August 1994.
  • $1.12 million was paid to Starr by the law firm of Kirkland & Ellis in 1996 for his work with the firm.
  • $87,385 was Starr's annual salary as independent counsel.
  • 51-year-old Kenneth W. Starr is the father of three children and has been married to Alice for many years.

Sources:

  • Starr, Kenneth W. (Kenneth Winston Starr). " Kenneth W. Starr biography".
  • Jeff Gerth, Associated Press (AP), New York, N.Y. 10001, (800) 221-4824, Fax: (212) 621-5361, e-mail: jgerth@ap.org, November 1998, "Starr: FBI Agent in Arkansas, Judge, Solicitor General, Dean".
  • Associated Press, New York, N.Y. 10001, (800) 221-4824, Fax: (212) 621-5361, e-mail: APmail@ap.org, November 1998, "Kenneth Starr: Dean of Law School in California".