Facebook Twitter Email
MAY 10, 2001

Senate testimony by Justice Department nominee Theodore Olson about his involvement in a project to discredit former President Clinton has been contradicted by those involved and through documents obtained by The Washington Post.

Known as the "Arkansas Project," Olson last month denied involvement in the American Spectator's works. But a former writer at the conservative magazine told the Judiciary Committee the Solicitor General nominee participated directly in the project.

Records obtained by The Post show Olson and his law firm were paid at least $8,000 for helping the magazine investigate the Clintons. Olson in January 1996 accepted a post on the magazine's board.

Olson declined comment to The Post and said his testimony to the Senate covered the issue already.

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:
Nominee Tied To Attacks On Clintons (The Washington Post 4/10)

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

Related Stories:
Bush nominee familiar with Indian law (5/9)
Religious advocate on board for 10th Circuit (5/9)
War waged over Bush nominees (5/4)
Democrats question Bush nominee (4/6)
Olson to face Senate heat (4/5)
Bush lawyer gets top Justice job (2/15)