Big WH mistake--thought "ethical" lapses of Kerik would be overlooked!

[rodeodance]

Either the WH did not look into his background or they thought his business practices would be overlooked.
On Scarborough Country tonight tonight a pundit refered to Keriks "little' problems!! I think this will be --or should be a BIG issue--that the WH, once again tried to install people with questionable backgrounds!!!


http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/12/20041210-9.html

Press Briefing by Scott McClellan
The James S. Brady Press Briefing Room

1:06 P.M. EST

.......Q If Bernard Kerik is confirmed the head of Homeland Security, he would be in charge of a department which does substantial business with Taser and other firms in which he's had a direct or indirect interests. Is this an ethical conflict of interest?

MR. McCLELLAN: We've looked into all these issues, and obviously, he'll be talking about some of these matters during his confirmation hearing. But the President appointed Commissioner Kerik because he knows he is someone who is firmly committed to helping us win the war on terrorism and make sure that we are doing everything we can to protect the homeland.

We have full confidence in his integrity and we are confident that he will take the appropriate steps necessary to make sure that there are no conflicts there.

Q But even if he is not any longer connected with any of these companies, there is still the perception that he can influence the way the department does business with them, no?

MR. McCLELLAN: We believe he will take all the appropriate steps to make sure that there are no conflicts. .......