Gary Pearce posted on June 11, 2012 14:53
Whatever he does, Kenneth Starr will always be remembered for his obsession with Bill Clinton’s sex life. Will John Edwards likewise live on forever in George Holding’s bio?
Today’s N&O story by Ann Blyth and John Frank reminds us that the trial might be over, “but one aspect of the case remains unexplained: Why was it brought as a long and costly criminal case rather than as a civil matter for the Federal Election Commission?”
Some people say the answer is obvious: to help Holding run for Congress.
Maybe that’s no problem for Holding. Certainly it didn’t hurt him in the primary. Maybe Edwards is so unpopular there’s no downside to a failed prosecution. But….
First, Holding’s mantra is “cut spending.” Except, apparently, when it comes to spending $2 million in taxpayers’ money to help himself politically.
Second, Holding is now inextricably intertwined with Edwards. Any future political profile of Holding will revive his Edwards link – and remind us of the whole seamy affair.
You hear Kenneth Starr, you think: blow jobs. When you hear George Holding, will you think: John Edwards sex tape?
And for how long?