William R. Richardson: “how many people outside the beltway of Washington, DC, care about Whitewater? Zero. More and more, Whitewater becomes an…”

“how many people outside the beltway of Washington, DC, care about Whitewater? Zero. More and more, Whitewater becomes an inside-the-beltway issue raised by those who oppose the President but cannot criticize him on the substance of his policies. Mr. Speaker, I was in New Mexico this weekend, and not one constituent in a variety of meetings--close to 2,000 constituents whom I was--raised the subject of Whitewater. But they did raise the subject of health care, the subject of crime, of education and the economy. That is what the American people elected us to work on, not worry about Whitewater, where a special counsel is already investigating. In fact, a recent poll suggests that 68 percent of the American people think the Republicans are attacking the President and the First Lady unfairly. What are the facts? First, nobody has suggested that the Clintons have done anything improper or illegal. Second, special counsel Robert Fiske is doing his job. He has subpoenaed White House staff and is zealously pursuing the facts. The White House is fully complying. Third, Mr. Fiske has stated that he does not want the Congress to interfere with his investigation. Mr. Fiske is a Republican. Fourth, the President has reacted to the issue properly, appointing a special counsel to look into the matter. Any comparison between Whitewater and Watergate is irresponsible and politically motivated. Mr. Speaker, let us get on with the problems of the day.”