Starr's Search For An Exit Strategy

Ken Starr has become a prisoner of his own investigation. After four and a half years as Whitewater special prosecutor, "Ken's ready to focus on coming back to the real world," a close friend tells NEWSWEEK. But he can't seem to find an exit strategy.

Starr would like to return to the comforts of a prestigious law firm or the tranquillity of academia. Lately he's even wondered aloud to colleagues if he's damaging the independent counsel's office by staying on. In all his remaining four cases, the defense strategy is to put Starr himself on trial. Last week two of his targets joined forces: Julie Hiatt Steele, indicted by Starr for false statements, was a defense witness in Susan McDougal's criminal-contempt trial. Both women allege that they are the victims of vindictive prosecution, a charge Starr denies. "Ken doesn't want to be the issue," says an associate. "He'd rather bow out gracefully."

But that's not so easy. Starr's concerned that he has no deputy with the background and experience to succeed him. And he's worried about the public reaction if he bails out now. In 1997, when he announced he was quitting to become a dean at Pepperdine University, the criticism--from liberals and conservatives--was so fierce he abandoned the plan.

A spokesman at the special prosecutor's office insists Starr is going "full steam ahead." But in recent weeks, sources say, Starr has begun talking to advisers about laying the groundwork for his departure. A key part of the planning: a media blitz to minimize negative publicity and refurbish his tarnished reputation. Robert Bork, whose 1987 Supreme Court nomination fell victim to a well-organized campaign by liberal interest groups, has told Starr to hit "Larry King Live" and other TV talk shows. "He needs to tell his side of the story," says Bork. "He's a fair-minded guy, not a right-wing zealot."

The longer Starr waits, the fewer options are open. The Pepperdine job now seems out of reach. Both of the positions he was offered have been filled. Friends say Starr is considering a book. He's signed up to teach his usual constitutional-law seminar at New York University School of Law next spring. And he's always welcome at his old law firm, Kirkland & Ellis, says managing partner Jack Levin.
Daniel Klaidman

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