Arlen Specter isn’t buying Holder’s line on the Rich pardon. Given Holder’s experience and record of competence, Specter said, “It’s hard to brush it off, it seems to me, as a mistake.” Rich, Specter recounted, had committed tax fraud, was an arms dealer, a fugitive, prosecutors involved in the case opposed the pardon, and normal pardon procedures were not followed. Under questioning, Holder reiterated, “I express regret” and specifically, he denied that he recommended that Rich’s lawyer, Jack Quinn, go straight to the White House. Asked if he was aware or Rich’s “atrocious” background, Holder staggeringly responded that, “I did not really acquaint myself with his record.”
