Burton Draws Fire For Clinton 'Scumbag' Remark
WASHINGTON (April 22) -- The chairman of the House committee investigating alleged Democratic fund-raising abuses is under fire for what his staff says was just "straight talk."
Last week Rep. Dan Burton (R-Ind.) described President Bill Clinton as a "scumbag" during a session with the editorial board of the Indianapolis Star.
The Indiana Republican isn't backing off his use of the word, but promises a full explanation at his Government and Oversight Committee hearing tomorrow.
From Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), the ranking Democrat on the panel, criticized Burton for the remark.
"I think that's a vile comment for a congressman to make. Here you have the man who is the chairman of committee that's doing the investigation on campaign finance and other abuses. And he's out to get the president. He's pretty much indicated he's on a vendetta," Waxman said.
When asked about Burton's "scumbag" comment, the president took the above-it-all approach. Clinton smiled and said he hopes the congressman will vote for campaign finance reform.
|