Paul Richter, Los Angeles Times Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., on Saturday defended recommending his girlfriend and former staffer to become a U.S. attorney, arguing that she is a "highly qualified prosecutor" who would have served his home state well.
"Why she's really good, lemmie tell you. She's the best I've ever had in b--COURT! She's good in court! and she's got the best set of--BRAINS! I've ever seen on a woman."
One of the most influential figures in the ongoing health care overhaul effort, Baucus acknowledged that he has had a romantic relationship with Melodee Hanes since the summer of 2008. In a statement, the senator said that he and Hanes, who live together on Capitol Hill, were separated from their spouses at the time. "It wasn't an affair," Baucus said.
"No, it was a--was a--a study session! Yeah, that's it, I was in my briefs--no! I mean we had these legal briefs, and she was taking them off--I mean taking a look at them...."
| As is pointed out in the Wall Street Journal/Opinion Journal today, the press had no problem recognizing the conflict of interest when it was Paul Wolfowitz's girlfriend. |