Word: altmans
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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...facing congressional hearings about Whitewater and the near-certainty of further revelations and unable to stop either. Special prosecutor Robert Fiske subpoenaed a 10th Administration official, senior adviser George Stephanopoulos, possibly to ask him what he may have said about Whitewater in phone conversations with Deputy Treasury Secretary Roger Altman. As for congressional hearings, Clinton knows they will become a highly partisan circus. But the prospect nonetheless puts him in a dilemma pithily summarized by his chief Republican congressional tormentor, Iowa Representative Jim Leach: "If ((Democrats)) provide me a hearing, their President is likely to be embarrassed. If they...
What's most significant in weighing Altman's culpability is his actions before the White House meeting. Unlike those involved in the other White House sessions, Altman sought to avoid any impropriety, or even its appearance, by clearing his meeting in advance with Treasury's ethics office. The question: Would it be proper to convey the innocuous facts regarding the statute of limitations -- facts that had already been provided to inquiring congressional staff members? Assured there was no problem, Altman proceeded...
...Altman told Congress about his Feb. 2 meeting. Republicans responded predictably, charging improper conduct. On the following day, Altman recused himself from any further RTC decisions involving Madison, even though Treasury and RTC ethics officials say he had no legal obligation to do so. Unsubstantiated reports allege that Altman sought the advice of White House aides before his recusal. He denies that charge, and Administration officials support...
Where does Altman stand now? Under a cloud. Too few news reports mention that Altman's meeting was cleared by Treasury's ethics office; too many critics ignore his admission that despite such clearance, the meeting should not have occurred. So, fault Altman for political naivete but, unless new information surfaces, not for venality. A lot about Whitewater smells. Altman doesn...
...Political Interest: Roger Altman on the spot...