Counsel Named For Babbitt Probe

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, March 19) -- A three-judge court Thursday appointed Washington lawyer Carol Elder Bruce as an independent counsel to investigate whether Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt broke the law in connection with his testimony to Congress about an Indian casino license.

Bruce is a partner in the law firm of Tithe, Patton, Tabickman & Babbin, which specializes in white-collar crime and civil litigation.

In its order, the three-judge panel said Bruce would examine whether Babbitt may have violated federal law in statements he made to a congressional committee "concerning an Interior decision to deny an application by three Indian tribes in Hudson, Wis. for an off-reservation gambling casino."

Last month, Attorney General Janet Reno requested an independent counsel investigation after concluding that Babbitt might have lied about allegations of White House pressure on the decision to reject the Wisconsin Indian casino license. Indian tribes opposing the casino later contributed heavily to the Democratic Party.

In a statement, Babbitt said, "Ms. Bruce can expect full cooperation from me. I'm confident that this investigation will result in vindication for me and this department."

Thursday March 19, 1998

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• Counsel Named For Babbitt Probe
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Documents:
• Julie Steele Affidavit