Enron debate a political gamble

MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2002

With the Enron scandal going into full-gear, the debate over investigations into how the Bush administration was connected to failed company is turning out, as usual, a politically touchy issue.

Although both parties in the Senate and House are investigating, Democrats are worried their probes could be seen as unfair due to President Bush's popularity. While Enron contributed heavily to GOP causes, the company also donated to Democrat interests.

But as more information is turned up, the White House may not be able to avoid the scrutiny. Cabinet officials who received calls from company executives in advance of the downfall defended their decision not to inform Bush ("I'm a big boy," said Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill on ABC yesterday).

It turns out that Commerce Secretary Don Evans, however, informed White House chief of staff Andrew Card about the phone calls he received. Previously, the White House denied any of its officials were told about the company's worries.

Get the Story:
Democrats Split on Response to Enron (The Washington Post 1/14)
Bush Aide Was Told of Enron's Plea (The Washington Post 1/14)
Aides Deny Any Duty to Tell Bush of Enron Calls (The New York Times 1/14)
A Bubble That Enron Insiders and Outsiders Didn't Want to Pop (The New York Times 1/14)
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Relevant Links:
A Enron - http://www.enron.com/corp