Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. letter to G. S., May 12, 1998

ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR. 2d District. Maryland COMMITTEES BUDGET BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES ASSISTANT MAJORITY WHIP Congress of ttjr ®nittb States Jjoust of Seprescntatibcs ®Ha£rt)ington, B<£ 20515-2002 May 12, 1998 Dear^HHH Thank you for contacting me to express your views about allegations of illegal and unethical behavior on the part of President Bill Clinton. As you know, I have been a persistent critic of President Clinton. His time in office has yielded a litany of scandals, the number and substance of which overshadow those of previous administrations. To date, six independent counsels have been appointed to investigate allegations of wrongdoing by President Clinton and officials within his administration. According to several recent polls, most Americans believe that President Clinton will be remembered more for the allegations that have dogged him during his time in office than for any specific action taken as President. In your letter, you mention many of the allegations raised against President Clinton, some of which are the subject of ongoing criminal and congressional investigations. As you know, Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr continues to investigate President and Mrs. Clinton’s role in the so-called “Whitewater” land deal. Additionally, Judge Starr is also investigating allegations that President Clinton may have committed peijury, subornation of perjury, conspiracy, and obstruction of justice in order to cover up his alleged involvement with a former White House intern. I am deeply troubled by these serious allegations. Under the Constitution, the President, Vice President, and all civil officers of the United States may be impeached for “treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.” If there is credible evidence President Clinton committed these serious offenses, the U. S. House of Representatives should exercise its constitutional prerogative and initiate impeachment proceedings against him. As you know, President Clinton’s abilities as a communicator are well known. The President skillfully used some of Congress’ missteps (most notably the two partial government shutdowns in 1995, and the 1997 debacle over a disaster relief bill) to bolster his position with the American people. As a result, many in Congress are unwilling to confront him when appropriate because they fear the public relations consequences. However, I have no reluctance whatsoever about criticizing the President where warranted. Be assured that I will continue to speak out about PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER