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 For Immediate Release
Aug 5, 1997 Contact: Press Office
202-646-5172
FOWLER ASKED RENO TO HELP RAISE "OVER $100,000,000"

JUDICIAL WATCH UNCOVERS DOCUMENT IMPLICATING RENO IN DNC FUNDRAISING SCANDAL

DOCUMENT MAY EXPLAIN JUSTICE DEPARTMENT’S OBSTRUCTION IN JUDICIAL WATCH’S CASE AGAINST THE COMMERCE DEPARTMENT

Judicial Watch has discovered new information that sheds more light on Janet Reno’s decision not to appoint an Independent Counsel.  In a December 31, 1995 memo to "Members of the Cabinet," then-Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Don Fowler wrote to Attorney General Janet Reno that "Our goal is rather simply stated – WIN in 96:  Reelect President Clinton and Vice-President Gore, regain control of the Senate and House, and elect Democratic governors, legislators, county and city officials, and others at the state and local levels.  In order to do this, we must fund a DNC budget of over $100,000,000."  Fowler outlined the details of the DNC’s political plans for the 1996 campaign and closed by writing: "I am looking forward to working with you in 1996 to pursue these goals."  The memo includes a personal handwritten note from "Don" wishing "Janet" a "Happy New Year." 

Judicial Watch Chairman and General Counsel Larry Klayman stated:  "This memo shows that Janet Reno may be part of the illegal Clinton Administration campaign finance activities.  It also may explain why Judicial Watch and Senator Thompson’s Committee have experienced obstruction in Judicial Watch’s lawsuit and the Committee’s investigation.  At a minimum, Reno is conflicted and must immediately appoint an Independent Counsel." 

Judicial Watch uncovered the memo as part of its case against the Department of Justice regarding Janet Reno’s decision to not appoint an Independent Counsel to investigate the DNC and Clinton/Gore ‘96 campaigns.  Last fall, Judicial Watch uncovered, the illegal fundraising efforts of John Huang and the Clinton Administration in its on-going lawsuit against the Commerce Department. 

A copy of the memo is available to all interested members of the media and on the internet.

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