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 Molly Ivins: Karl Rove’s Early MachinationsPosted on Apr 17, 2006By Molly Ivins AUSTIN, Texas—An interesting semi-historical footnote concerning Dick Cheney’s oft-reiterated references during the 2000 presidential campaign to President Clinton’s weaseling under oath. “He knows what the meaning of ‘is’ is,” says Cheney in his campaign stump speech to show the moral superiority of the Republican camp. Which leads us to this story about Karl Rove, Bush’s campaign manager and the man they call “Bush’s brain.” Rove, as all the world knows, has been a longtime Republican political operative in Texas prior to heading to Washington with Bush. During that time, Texas Democrats noticed a pattern that they eventually became somewhat paranoid about: In election years, there always seemed to be an FBI investigation of some sitting Democrat either announced or leaked to the press. After the election was over, the allegations often vanished, although in the case of Agriculture Commissioner Jim Hightower, three of his aides were later convicted. The investigations were conducted by FBI agent Greg Rampton, who was stationed in Austin in those years.
In 1989, Rove was nominated for a position with the federal Board for International Broadcasting. He answered a questionnaire from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that was later obtained by subpoena. One of the questions was: Have you been interviewed or asked to supply any information in connection with any administrative or grand jury investigation in the past 18 months? If so, provide details. Rove responded, “This summer I met with agent Greg Rampton of the Austin FBI office at his request regarding a probe of political corruption in the office of Texas Agriculture Commissioner Jim Hightower.” In 1991, Rove was undergoing state Senate confirmation hearings for an appointment to the East Texas State University board of regents. Sen. Bob Glasgow was questioning Rove about his work for Gov. Bill Clements in the 1986 campaign against Gov. Mark White. A now-forgotten incident of that campaign involved a listening device allegedly found in Rove’s office by a private security firm a few days before a televised debate. The case made headlines around the state. It was investigated by Rampton, who never found the alleged perpetrator. Glasgow: “Ah, Mr. Rove, would you now tell us publicly who bugged your office that you blamed upon Mark White publicly and the press statewide?” Rove: “Ah, first of all, I did not blame it on Mark White. If, ah, if you’ll recall I specifically said at the time that we disclosed the bugging that we did not know who did it, but we knew who might benefit from it. And no, I do not know. ...” Glasgow: “And are you now satisfied that Mark White and the Democratic Party did not bug your office as you—as you released, ah, to the newspapers?” Rove: “Senator, I never said Mark White bugged my office, I’m not certain he has an electronic background. I never said the Democratic Party bugged it either. ... As to who bugged it, Senator, I do not know—and the FBI does not know. ...” Glasgow: “How long have you known an FBI agent by the name of Greg (Rampton)?” Rove: “Ah, Senator, it depends—would you define ‘know’ for me?” Glasgow: “What is your relationship with him?” Rove: “Ah, I know, I would not recognize Greg (Rampton) if he walked in the door. We have talked on the phone a var-—a number of times. Ah, and he has visited in my office once or twice, but we do not have a social or personal relationship whatsoever. ...” Glasgow: “During the Rick Perry campaign (against Jim Hightower), did you have any conversations with FBI agent Rampton about the course and conduct of that campaign?” Rove: “Yes, I did, two or three times. ...” Glasgow: “Did you issue a press release in Washington, at a fund-raiser, about information you’d received from the FBI implicating—implicating, ah, Hightower?” Rove: “We did not issue a press release. ... We did not issue a news release. I talked to a member of the press ...” Glasgow: “I’m gonna let you expound on anything you want to. Ah, involved in campaigns that you’ve been involved in, do you know why agent Rampton conducted a criminal investigation of Garry Mauro at the time you were involved in that campaign, pulled the finance records of Bob Bullock at the time you were involved in that campaign, pulled the campaign records of Jim Hightower at the time you were involved in that campaign?” Rove: “Well, Senator, first of all, as I said before, I was not involved in either Bob Bullock or Garry Mauro’s campaigns or the campaigns of their Republican opponent. I’d be hard pressed to tell you who Garry Mauro’s opponent was in 1986. Ah, and I’d—think I’d be hard pressed even to remember who Bob Bullock’s opponent was in 1986. So I can’t answer that part of the question. I do know that I became involved in Rick Perry’s campaign in November of 1989. At that point there was already an investigation ongoing of the Texas Department of Agriculture, prompted by stories which had appeared in August and September, I believe, in The Dallas Morning News regarding the use of Texas Department of Agriculture funds.” Glasgow shifts to the Board for International Broadcasting appointment: “And in answering a question for that perspective (sic) federal appointment, did you make a claim in there that you were involved in the Hightower investigation at the request of special agent Rampton of the Federal Bureau of Investigation?” Rove: “No, sir.” Glasgow: “You did not make that statement in response ...” Rove: “I did not, and I was ...” Glasgow: “Let me finish my question. Did you make that statement in response to a written questionnaire?” Rove: “Ah, Senator, ah, no, I did not make that statement, but I ...” Glasgow: “Thank you very much.” Rampton, who was subsequently involved with the FBI operation at Ruby Ridge, said that he had not talked to Rove about the Hightower case. Told that Rove had so claimed in his federal questionnaire, Rampton said: “Let me think. I couldn’t recall talking to him on that particular case at all. My memory, if there was a conversation we had on that case, well, I can’t recall it. He was not an integral part of that case. I don’t even remember bouncing anything off him as somebody who was familiar with politics in Austin.” Previous item: Gore Vidal: America and Empire Elsewhere: . CommentsAre you a Truthdig member yet? Login now, or register with Truthdig. Add Your Comment |
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By D Allen, May 13, 2006 at 4:32 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
Great read as usual, Molly. By the way, WHEN IS KARL ROVE GOING TO BE INDICTED??????
Report thisBy John Kirk, April 22, 2006 at 2:39 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
If the republicans maintain control of congress following 2006 elections, it will be “good-byes-ville for us.
By 2008, the usa will be a theocracy! I’m certain.
Report thisBy felicity smith, April 22, 2006 at 1:56 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
Rove’s new job practically guarantees that the Rethugs will retain their majorities in both Houses after the November elections. And just in case the pre-election shenanigans don’t guarantee it, the shenanigans in key precincts on election day will sew it up in the Rethug column.
Report thisBy Mike, April 22, 2006 at 6:32 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
As far as Rove’s demotion, why are my tax dollars being used to pay an individual who is now merely planning strategy for the Republican party??
Report thisBy H.D. COLE, April 22, 2006 at 12:51 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
Karl Rove is a just your common REPUBLICAN they believe to LIE,CHEAT AND STEAL is normal. Blackjack
Report thisBy lorrainemiller, April 21, 2006 at 8:20 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
BUSH IS FROM CONNETICUT> HE IS NOT A SOUTHERNER. HE IS A CARPETBAGGER. PLEASE GET THE RECORD STRAIGHT.
Report thisBy Bernard Parrish, April 21, 2006 at 6:31 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
At first I was delighted that Rove had been dropped a peg, and that Scott had resigned, until I realized that’s Rove is not at all out of the picture. He will again utilize his talents to smear all democratic candidates in the upcoming elections. And, we all know how ruthless he can be. The Republican party right now is very scared, and for good reasons, given this 6-year reign of terror over America. They will be desperately trying to hold on to their majority lead in Congress. If that fails, and democrats win the majority, indictments will soon follow, as well they should, on this entire administration.
Pray, vote, pay attention to the vote counting (more now than ever), get involved, and watch for the most viscious smear campaigns implemented by Rove. It’s going to get really nasty out there. Let’s just hope their tactics don’t work this time.
Report thisBy Shag, April 20, 2006 at 5:00 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
It’s a damned shame that “dirt” is politics is recognized as being acceptable. Dirty tricks is the order of the day. It’s too bad that the people fall for this crap and don’t assess candidates on the merits of their worthiness.
Report thisRove’s mentor, Lee Atwater, gave a deathbed mea culpa, for all of his negative campaign. I am sure he just wanted to save his soul, and not really express contrition for his horrendous campaign techniques.
By nancy leclerc, April 19, 2006 at 3:26 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
Just think, none of this would/could have happened
Report thisif GW Bush military record wasn’t covered up. And the ones that knew about his lost paper work, etc. should feel responsable for what has happened to our country in the last five years.
It seems to me they should come forth now, and clean their conscience , if they have any. But then again, if they voted for Bush ,they probably have no conscience.
By Debra Hill, April 19, 2006 at 10:21 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
George W. Bush is not from Texas. George W. Bush is from Greenwich, Connecticut. Look it up. His family roots are in Connecticut and Ohio.
The “swaggering Texan” persona is entirely phony. Ask Tommy Lee Jones.
Report thisBy Edwin Seaton, April 19, 2006 at 5:01 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
I really look forward to your columns. Keep up the fine work of exposing these ---tards.
Report thisBy Shannon Jacobs, April 19, 2006 at 4:56 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
Actually, Rove grew up in a place where my father used to have an office, and around the same time. One of those “imagine how history would have been affected” moments--if my father had accidentally run over him while young Rove was out slashing tires or whatever he did to prepare for his future career.
As regards the above article, it feels unfinished, like there is some conclusion lagging. Is there even circumstantial evidence that this particular FBI agent had it in for Democrats? That could certainly explain a cultivated relationship with the rising young scumbag Rove.
Report thisBy Student of History, April 18, 2006 at 8:55 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
“Ah, Herr Rove. Obviously a student of history. I think he tore a few pages out of Joe Goebbels book.”
No, you are a little off-target. The one you are thinking of is Martin Bormann. He was the real “brain” behind that particular group of right-wing fascists. I would wager that you could hang a swastika on Rove and you wouldn’t be able to tell them apart.
Report thisBy Susan Strouss, April 18, 2006 at 12:04 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
We don’t expect anything else out of these Republicans mouths other than lies. Mr. Rove is the worst liar I have ever heard. He not only lies for himself, but has learned to use it to get these people into places of power. Makes me wish there was a Heaven & Hell. Wouldn’t you just love to be there at the Pearly Gates when Mr. Rove shows up. A very fast trip for Mr. Rove, down to the hottest fires, which never consumes.
Report thisThis is when I wished there really was reincarnation. Living thousands of lives to pay for this one....Payback is such a bitch! Since I am afraid they will never be given justice here on earth.....Oh well, time to get off my dreams of justice!
But the worst thing they do, is get you to stop looking at what the right hand is doing, by waving around the left hand.
Whenever the media focuses on anything which might make the American people really know what is going on, they bring up some juicier story. More easier to understand.
We must stay focused on the Big Crime! Mr. Bush & Mr. Cheney lied to a Federal Prosecutor. That is a Felony, which is a High Crime, which is an Impeachable Offense.
http://www.lastbastionofreason.com/2006/04/17/there-st ill-is-the-matter-of-high-crimes/
http://www.lastbastionofreason.com/2006/03/16/why-chen ey-had-to-shoot-that-man/
By relayer, April 18, 2006 at 12:04 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
In view of the incredible amount of times Rumsfeld, Rove, Fleischer, Rice, Bush and Cheney have claimed “memory problems” in response to questions regarding their documented actions and statements, isn’t it about time they were tested for Alzheimer’s or some other fundamental brain problems?
If they were “regular citizens,” their grandchildren would have had them put into a “care institution” by now on such evidence of senior dementia.
How can these men be allowed to run the country?
Report thisBy No More Mr. Nice Guy!, April 18, 2006 at 11:31 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
Then there was the Alabama judge who was very active in childrens’ charities, who was smeared by Rove as a pedophile. There is no evil, however sordid and despicable, that Rove would not gladly wallow in. He should be cut open like the swine he is, and forced to eat his own entrails.
Report thisBy Misha Erwitt, April 18, 2006 at 8:39 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
Ah, Herr Rove. Obviously a student of history. I think he tore a few pages out of Joe Goebbels book.
Report thisBy Trammell, April 17, 2006 at 9:35 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
I’ve read quite a bit about Rove’s early days. The man is pure evil. His hero was Richard Nixon and he hates Democrats ‘til this day, for “what they did to Nixon.”
I am not even from Texas, but I remember that he started rumors that Ann Richards was a lesbian, when Junior was running against her for governor.
Rove; the Pink Frogman. I know I would be less depressed if he was behind bars.
Report thisBy Hilding Lindquist, April 17, 2006 at 9:18 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
Ah yes, Karl Rove ...
How did this bunch surrounding Bush #43, acting like schoolyard bullies, get so many people sideways in life? Guess there’s a lot of folks kind of stuck in a junior high emotional state of my mind ... or something like that. I mean how did anyone let him--Karl--grow up that way?
On the other hand, G.W. might have something going for him ... if he and Karl are planning to give Texas back to Mexico, what with all this open border talk and stuff. Course, I wouldn’t want to get sideways with the good people of Texas ... it’s just that sometimes it’s hard for a little ol’ northern boy like me to figure out who they are and why they act like they do!
If it weren’t for you, Molly, I wouldn’t have a clue on where to get started on the folks from down there.
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