Bush Cover Letter Defends Starr

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, April 24) -- A second letter from former President George Bush to Secret Service Director Lewis Merletti vigorously defends Independent Counsel Ken Starr, administration sources told CNN Thursday.

The letter was actually a cover letter to which Bush attached his opinion that Secret Service officers should not be compelled by Starr to testify before the grand jury.

The contents of the letter, published on ABC News' Web site, show Bush saying he holds Starr "in high regard" and finds the "orchestrated attacks on him ... vicious and outrageous."

Bush tells Merletti he can show the letter to Starr, listing a number of things he wants Starr to know, including "that I am furious about the mindless attacks on him." He says he would be happy to talk to "Ken" personally.

Starr's Washington grand jury is looking into reports that Clinton had a sexual relationship with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky and encouraged her to lie about it under oath. Clinton has denied both accusations.

Friday April 24, 1998

• Sources: Complaints By Secret Service Agent Resulted In Lewinsky Transfer
• Buddy Recovering After Going Under The Knife
• Top FBI And Justice Officials In Campaign Finance Investigation Are Leaving
• Judge Asked To Remove Ex-Lover From Case Against Cisneros
• Republican Whip Renews Attack On Clinton
• Kasich Spells Out 'Vision Document' For GOP Budget
• Senate One Of The Last Safe Havens For Smokers
• A GOP Stunt Lets Them Eat Cake
• Bush Cover Letter Defends Starr
• Senate Urged To 'Move Slowly' On NATO Expansion
• McLarty Returning To Private Life
• GOP To Delay IMF Vote