Is Holding Starr-Crossed?

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?
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Gary Pearce

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Is Holding Starr-Crossed?

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?
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Gary Pearce

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