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MAY 16, 2001

Despite having worked with the conservative magazine for several years, Theodore B. Olson, President Bush's pick as Solicitor General, says he had no knowledge of an anti-Clinton "Arkansas Project" until spring of 1997.

By that time, Olson had worked as a lawyer for American Spectator beginning in 1994, was on its board, and researched possible crimes committed by Bill and Hillary Clinton. Yet he has told the Senate Judiciary Committee he had nothing to do with the project's formation but his testimony has been contradicted by a former writer.

Democrats want an investigation into the issue. Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) said he won't launch one and Democrats say they will hold up a vote on Olson.

As Solicitor General, Olson would represent the United States before the Supreme Court and also be the one who normally decides what cases the nation will pursue before the Court.

Olson represented Bush on the election cases last fall. He also argued successfully the case of Harold "Freddy" Rice, whose challenge to Native Hawaiian programs in Hawaii has lead to widespread changes in the state.

Miguel Estrada, one of Olson's partners at the law firm of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, was nominated by President George W. Bush to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.

Get the Story:
Solicitor General Nominee Defends Senate Testimony (The Washington Post 5/16)

Relevant Links:
American Spectator - http://www.spectator.org
Gibson, Dunn, & Crutcher - http://www.gdclaw.com

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