Smith won't go without fight

FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2002

The top aide to Assistant Secretary Neal McCaleb has refused to resign, The Washington Post reports today.

The paper reported yesterday that Wayne Smith was told to hand in his resignation or face being fired. He apparently didn't do so and remains on administrative leave.

Smith hired a lawyer, Nancy Luque, to fight the firing. He believes he is being targeted for refusing to overturn a decision affecting a small California tribe that is represented by a law firm his predecessor, Mike Anderson, joined upon leaving the Clinton administration.

Get the Story:
Washington in Brief: Interior Official Refuses to Resign (The Washington Post 5/24)
Washington dithers over Smith "personnel matter" (Indian Country Today 5/24)
Indian Affairs official may be out of job (The Lake Charles American Press 5/24)

Related Stories:
Wayne Smith given the boot (5/23)
Decision on tiny tribe fought (5/21)
BIA affirms leadership of tiny tribe (5/13)
Calif. tribe threatens suit over 'retaliation' (5/1)
Norton asked to investigate BIA deputy (4/23)
McCaleb aide reports friend to FBI (4/22)
White House looking into McCaleb aide (4/19)
'I think you get the picture' (4/17)
BIA deputy recused on recognition (4/16)
Wall Street Journal blasted for 'drive by' (4/5)