Behind Starr’s Change of Venue

Speculation is rife as to why independent Whitewater counsel Kenneth W. Starr has decided just now to leave his post this summer to become the dean of the law school at Pepperdine University.

There is much mulling, as well, over the impact his departure will have on the investigation into Whitewater and related issues. Does it mean that Starr has decided not to seek an indictment of either President Clinton or the First Lady? That--to its great relief--seems to be the White House interpretation.

It could be, of course, that the reason for Starr’s job decision, and its timing, is the most obvious one: An opportunity came along and he seized it. Starr will not only head the law school, he will also be the founding dean of Pepperdine’s new School of Public Policy and be able to continue some private practice.

That could be considered a dream job at a university with which Starr has had a close, and obviously fond, association. Starr is only 50 years old. Whitewater already has consumed three years of his career.

No matter the reason, or the implications for Whitewater, the move is surely to Pepperdine’s great benefit. Starr has been a federal appellate judge, the U.S. solicitor general and a highly regarded private practitioner. Whenever a Republican may next occupy the White House, Starr seems certain to be a prime candidate for any U.S. Supreme Court vacancy.

By his very presence, he will give the Pepperdine law school heightened attention and prestige. As for Whitewater, his departure will close one chapter of that saga. The story will continue. Starr: Pepperdine’s gain