Description:

Clinton Bill



Bill Clinton TLS to Disgraced Illinois Congressman Dan Rostenkowski

 

1p TLS signed by sitting 42nd U.S. President Bill Clinton (born 1946) as "Bill" near bottom. On cream watermarked stationery with embossed presidential seal at top, and "The White House / Washington" cobalt blue letterhead. Written in Washington, D.C. on December 23, 1994. A few wrinkled and lightly chipped edges, else very good to near fine. 6.75" x 8.75".

 

President Bill Clinton wrote this birthday and farewell message to Dan Rostenkowski (1928-2010), less than one month after the latter's unsuccessful political reelection, and six months following the Illinois Congressman's federal indictment on 17 felony charges.

 

"Dear Dan:

 

Hillary and I want to join with your family and friends in wishing you all the best on your upcoming birthday.

 

As you look back on the past year you should be proud of the role you have played in advancing our agenda for American renewal. I have enjoyed working with you and wish you great success on all your future endeavors.

 

With best wishes for a happy birthday,

 

Sincerely

 

[signed] Bill."

 

Rostenkowski would be celebrating his 67th birthday on January 2, 1995. In the letter, Clinton does not reference either of the two embarrassing circumstances behind Rostenkowski's early retirement. Instead, the president expresses his appreciation for Rostenkowski's long record of public service, striking a tone in this letter that would anticipate his 2000 presidential pardon of Rostenkowski.

 

Dan Rostenkowski had represented Illinois's 5th District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1959. A Democrat, Rostenkowski had worked closely with Republic President Ronald Reagan and been appointed Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee in 1981. "Rosty" was one of the most influential politicians on Capitol Hill through the early 1990s, and one of Bill Clinton's biggest political supporters. In his 2004 autobiography My Life, Clinton wrote: "Besides the Speaker and his leadership team, my strongest supporter was the powerful chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Illinois Congressman Dan Rostenkowski. Rostenkowski was a superb legislator who combined a fine mind with Chicago street skills" (p. 421).

 

On June 1, 1994, a federal grand jury indicted Rostenkowski on various counts including corruption, mail fraud, and obstruction of justice. Rostenkowski's Chicago constituents reacted to these accusations by electing his Republican opponent Michael Patrick Flanagan (born 1962) in the November 8, 1994 mid-term elections. It was under these somber circumstances that Rostenkowski was leaving Congress in December 1994.

 

Rostenkowski was later sentenced to 17 months in federal prison, and served 15 months. On December 23, 2000, President Clinton officially pardoned his former colleague. In My Life, Clinton explained the rationale behind his clemency, stating, "Rostenkowski had done a lot for his country and had more than paid for his mistakes" (p. 757).

 


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