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Gerald Solomon Cuts the Baby in Half: Threatens Reno with Removal

Solomon said he is insisting that Reno appoint a special prosecutor to look into charges made this week by Johnny Chung - an American Democrat fundraiser that the Energy Department staff had accepted $25 thousand for a private charity as a quid pro quo for setting up a meeting between O'Leary and a gaggle of Chinese entrepreneurs.

Solomon, appearing on NBC's Today Show, told bleary eyed America, "If she refuses, in my opinion, she would be in derelict of duty and she would be subject to removal, that's how serious this is." Solomon claims he had a copy of a letter from former DNC chieftain Don Fowler asking then Secretary O'Leary to set up the appointment and her reply letter that she would.

Reno is already looking into the allegations vis a vis O'Leary. "We are reviewing that information now, and as I have said all along, we will consider each new piece of information that we get and if it triggers the (independent prosecutor) statute we'll do it,'' she said. Reno went on to explain that if the Attorney General's task force looking into 1996 elections scandals finds the Solomon's allegation outside its scope, it would reassign it.

This isn't the first time that Republicans have tried to circumvent the law. Earlier this year and last, a group of GOP Senators and House members threatened Reno and her job if she didn't appoint special prosecutors -- for other Democrat-related campaign flubs.

The strange thing about Solomon's threat -- "I would advise her (Reno) to follow through with her job and appoint the independent counsel,'' -- is that he did not urge the same special prosecutor appointments against Haley Barbour, the former Chairman of the RNC who "borrowed" millions from the Young Brothers, Hong Kong businessmen and who he never repaid in full.

Solomon, showing a true lack of wisdom, seems to think that a congressman can order the nation's top cop to investigate and prosecute whomever he wants, when he wants and in the manner he prescribes. Well Gerry, that's just not the way things work in e good 'ole US of A.

In case you haven't checked, America has this thing called the constitution which, among other things, protects individuals from witch hunts at the behest of some.

Solomon, a glorified insurance salesman from Sarasota Springs -- the horse racing capitol of upstate New York -- best known for his personal "war on drugs" (including the medical use of Marijuana) and his poor environmental record -- is the Jesse Helms of the Northeast. On October 7, 1994, Mr. Solomon stated the following during the course of remarks concerning house debate over "Unfunded Mandates" legislation: "Today is the beginning of the second Reagan Revolution that will shrink the size and power of the federal government. No longer will there be an arrogant attitude around here that says Big Brother federal government knows best." Mr. Solomon is also against gun control, and for legislation outlawing flag-burning and got more than $35,000 from the National Rifle Association PAC.

Solomon also can't seem to raise money from his own district to run his campaigns. Last time out he received more money from out of state than from inside New York. Solomon also seems to be controlled by big business. According to Common Cause, a huge percentage of his funding comes from Political Action Committees.

So, who is he to "urge", "demand" or even suggest that the Attorney General of the United States bow to his personal wishes, in utter disregard for constitutional protections. Solomon ought to grow up and keep his mouth sealed on issues he is obviously incompetent to speak about.

© 1998, 1997, American Politics Journal Publications Inc.