Bernard Kerik, President Bush’s nominee for Homeland Security Director, has withdrawn himself from consideration for the post because he hired an illegal alien as a housekeeper and nanny to his children.
Too bad. With his typical American boot strap story and his experience as top cop during the Rudy Giuliani Administration in New York City—including on 9/11—he seemed to be the ideal candidate for the position. But he’s toast now, and, unfortunately, rightly so.
It’s serious business now.
(Thanks to Roger L. Simon)
This seems like deja vu. Hasn't this happened before with Clinton and a woman nominee for a position? As I recall, it was pointed out at the time that nominees should be better investigated before they are appointed. Still, it is unfortunate that Kerik could not serve.
Posted by: Indigo | December 11, 2004 at 07:04 AM
It occurs to me that more than one public official has probably employed illegal aliens off the books to clean their homes, care for their children, and what not. Could this be one of the driving forces behind the support for granting illegals amnesty and what not?
Posted by: Samantha | December 11, 2004 at 08:21 AM
There have been several others. Linda Chavez comes to mind immediately. I know there were others but can't remember names right off.
Posted by: Ken Summers | December 11, 2004 at 08:37 AM
All: see Roger's link for the Clinton cabinet nominees who had the same problem.
Posted by: baldilocks | December 11, 2004 at 08:53 AM
Reading through news articles, I see there were a few other blemishes on his record--this one might be the easiest to use as a reason to withdraw the name.
Posted by: Roast Mistress | December 11, 2004 at 12:22 PM
umm, I think the story is a little juicier than that... Kerick had had an outstanding arrest warrant isued from the state of NJ... Newsweek has it here [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6697161/site/newsweek/]
Thanks to TPM [http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/week_2004_12_05.php#004203]
Posted by: sandler | December 11, 2004 at 03:18 PM
OT- but Juliette, that is a simply smashing picture of you up there :D
Posted by: Rae | December 12, 2004 at 03:10 PM
Who was supposed to vett this guy?
Posted by: Tony Iovino | December 13, 2004 at 02:51 PM
Rae: Thanks :-)
Tony: If you're asking for a specific name, I'd have to look that one up. However, surely anyone being considered for any job with the Homeland *Security* Department--not the mention the director--would be subject to a background investigation. Sounds to me as if Mr. Kerik was merely vouched for. A dropped-ball, for sure.
Posted by: baldilocks | December 13, 2004 at 03:12 PM