From: Ann Curley/CNN
In: Washington
Posted 9-18-97

Subject: Republican Lawmakers Ask Rubin To Explain Jones' Audit

Representative Sam Johnson (R-Texas) and twenty Republican colleagues are asking Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin to respond to allegations the I.R.S. is acting in a politically motivated manner by auditing Paula Jones, as well as former travel office director Billy Dale. Jones has a lawsuit pending against President Clinton.

In a letter sent to Rubin, the lawmakers wrote: "Either lightning really did strike twice, coincidentally hitting two of the president's most vocal opponents, or individuals within this government have grossly misused their authority to attack those they perceive as enemies of the president."

The members suggest the two audits "may have been a retaliatory and politically motivated" action, pointing out that Jones' audit "was launched just days after Jones turned down a settlement offer for her sexual harassment lawsuit against President Clinton."

The letter states, "the chances that both Jones and Dale would be audited in the same period are infinitesimal, less than one in 2,500, and the implications that such audits took place are gravely disturbing."

In Other News:

Thursday Sept. 18, 1997

• Tamraz: Contributions Bought White House Access
• Partisan Politics And The Christian Coalition
• N.Y. Runoff Canceled, Sharpton Files Suit
• It's 'Day One' In Tobacco War
• First Lady Asks Press To Respect Chelsea's Privacy
• Helms Backs NATO Expansion
• Albright Boosts Clinton Trade Plan
• Internet Site To Monitor Kids TV
• No Tobacco Settlement This Year
• Clinton Promises To Protect Farmers
• NATO Hints At Further Bosnia Role
• NEA Survives Attack In Senate
• Reno Defends Campaign Task Force

E-mail From Washington:
• GOP Lawmakers Ask For Explanation Of Jones' Audit
• Justice Wants O'Leary Probe
• Justice Won't Object To Immunity Request
• Gore Says He's Cooperating With Justice Department
• House Ponders Barring Bob Dornan From The Floor
• Gephardt Rips Clinton Trade Proposal