Ex-Gov. Carlin OKd as U.S. Archivist
The Senate by voice vote late Thursday confirmed former Kansas Gov. John Carlin as the U.S. archivist, brushing aside criticism from historians who said he was unqualified and too political.
Carlin, a Democrat, had the backing of not only his friend President Clinton but also of Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole (R-Kan.).
The archivist runs the National Archives, which houses such hallowed documents as the Constitution, and plays an important role in the disposition of presidential records once a President leaves office. In Clinton’s case, that could include Whitewater papers.
Archivist Don Wilson left in 1993 amid controversy over his handling of some of former President George Bush’s electronic records.
At a hearing earlier this week, representatives of 16 organizations said Carlin’s ties to Clinton--and to Dole, should the Kansas senator become President--could color his judgment.
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