Ken Starr passes away
Ken Starr has died. He was 76.
Starr had a brilliant legal career. However, he will be most remembered for his work as the Independent Counsel who investigated Whitewater and other misconduct by the Clintons.
Starr’s passing will probably lead to a rehash of his investigations. I don’t plan to participate, but might if the rehash becomes dominated by apologists for the sleazy couple he investigated.
I’ll just say this. Offhand, I can’t think of anyone who was more demonized with less justification than this good man.
Starr excelled as a lawyer, Supreme Court advocate, federal appeals court judge, scholar-author, law professor, and college administrator (although his time as president of Baylor ended in controversy). Everyone I know who knew Starr praised him for his kindness. He was a deeply religious man and, by accounts, behaved accordingly.
There will be many obituaries of Judge Starr to choose from. Here is one from a Texas outlet that’s followed by one written by his family.
RIP
I knew Ken as a fellow Burger clerk. I first met him at the ABA convention in New Orleans in the spring of 1983. I was accompanying the Chief, and he introduced me to Ken, saying that Ken was his best law clerk ever. Ken remembered me after that and even called to congratulate me when my first child was born. He was a public servant, a great lawyer, and a mensch. Rest in peace, Ken.