By Andrew Kreig / Project Director
Author Dave Kindred drew on his stellar career as a Washington Post reporter today to describe on my DC Update radio show his book Morning Miracle: A Great Newspaper Fights for Its Life. Drawing on 45 years of reporting, Kindred obtained unprecedented access to the Post newsroom and all its top executives.
His study provides what he and his publisher, Doubleday, call “an up-close-and-personal study of the ambition, enthusiasm and commitment to excellence that is at the heart of world-class daily journalism.” But he describes also “the cold truth that the industry’s glory days are over.” Listen to today’s show with my cohost Scott Draughon by clicking here. The show is heard live nationwide, and also by archive on the My Technology Lawyer radio network.
The first three parts of this series outlined why President Obama failed the public by nominating Alabama attorney George L. Beck as U.S. attorney for the state’s middle district even though the nominee has establishment support.
By Andrew Kreig / Project Director's Blog
The Justice Integrity Project today calls for the Senate Judiciary Committee to invite independent witnesses to testify at the confirmation hearing for George L. Beck, President Obama's nominee to become U.S. attorney for the middle district of Alabama. Only a full review of the conflicts surrounding this nationally important nomination can restore public trust.
Let's look at the background: Most Alabama Democratic leaders are now so thoroughly intimidated by the Rep
ublican ascendancy that they dare not oppose GOP demands with any vigor for fear of being squeezed out of all decision-making and related benefits. As for national-level Democrats? Their track record is abject deferral to Republican Senators Dick Shelby and Jeff Sessions, Last fall, the Democratic National Committee reputedly contributed nothing to Bill Barnes, the Democratic primary winner competiting against Shelby. Senator Patrick Leahy, a Democrat from Vermont portrayed at right, is the committee chairman. He has the power to make these hearings meaningful if he wants to do so. Let's encourage him to do that. Below is additional background about why leaders from should cooperate for this unique opportunity to enlighten the public about one of the nation's most dramatic and important nominations.
Parts I and II of this opinion series outlined why President Obama made a mistake in nominating prominent Alabama attorney George L. Beck as U.S. attorney for the state’s middle district. Part III below showcases the case for confirmation by Beck’s backers. Coming this afternoon in Part IV: Next steps for those not convinced that this nomination is in the public interest.
By Andrew Kreig / Project Director’s Blog
“For his diligence and relentless pursuit of justice, I have named George L. Beck to serve as a U.S. Attorney,” announced President Obama on March 31. “I am confident he will serve the people of Alabama with distinction.” The White House noted that Beck has been a shareholder of Capell & Howard, P.C. since 2004, and began his career as an associate in 1966, when he enlisted in the Alabama Army National Guard on his way to retiring as a colonel in 2001.
The nom
ination followed a recommendation by the federal nominating committee of the Alabama Democratic Party, and more than two years of ineffectual state and national efforts by Democrats to find a consensus, centrist candidate who could satisfy varied Democratic interests without incurring fatal opposition from Alabama’s Republican U.S. Senators, Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions.
Under Mark Kennedy, left, a new state party chairman installed after the party’s rout in November’s elections, Democrats ultimately picked what their leaders regarded as a safe pick for the powerful regional post running federal criminal and civil litigation from the Justice Department office based in the state capital of Montgomery.
An appointment would finally ease out from office the incumbent Republican U.S. attorney, Leura Canary, who was nominated by President Bush a decade ago after mariage to one of Karl Rove's best friends. She remains in power despite a track record arguably making her the most notorious federal prosecutor in the nation, albeit one ostensibly well-regarded by top Justice Department colleagues.
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Andrew Kreig
JIP Editor
The Justice Integrity Project (JIP) researches official misconduct
Broadcast and lecture audiences can count on the Project's director to deliver blunt, entertaining and cutting-edge commentary about public affairs, with practical tips for the millions of Americans caught up in unfair litigation or regulation.
Based in Washington, DC, Andrew Kreig is an accomplished fighter for the public interest. Learn from his decades of reporting, analysis and advocacy:
• Shocking tales of recent corruption, deception and cover-up by both parties in communities ranging from small towns to world capitals; and
• Practical how-to tips for reformers on action that brings real-world results.
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