The Muckraker's Reference Section
Scott Jennings
As White House Deputy Director of Political Affairs, Scott Jennings served as Karl Rove's right-hand man. He resigned in October 2007.Jennings arranged for Republicans to meet with the Justice Department to express their concerns with local US Attorneys. Jennings was also deeply involved in appointing Tim Griffin as US Attorney for Eastern Arkansas. Jennings discussed with other White House officials and the Justice Department how to appoint Tim Griffin as a US Attorney despite objection from local senators, at time operating from a private, non-government email account. He also worked closely with Kyle Sampson to ensure Griffin’s transition to US Attorney.
Key Points:
Scott Jennings coordinated for Republican officials to complain about US attorneys to the Justice Department
On June 20, 2006, Jennings contacted Monica Goodling. A presidential nominee for the US Postal Board of Governors wished to meet with someone from the Justice Department to “discuss the USSATTY situation” in New Mexico. Because of the sensitive nature of such a meeting, Goodling agreed to meet personally.
Jennings worked closely with the Justice Department to install Tim Griffin as US Attorney for Arkansas.
On August 18, 2006, Scott Jennings, Kyle Sampson and Monica Goodling have a discussed how to avoid Democratic senators from Arkansas in nominating Tim Griffin. Jennings continues discussing with Sampson the particulars of replacing Bud Cummins with Griffin, including having Griffin hired into the Justice Department to serve under Cummins.
Jennings sent emails discussing US attorneys through an unofficial email address
Jennings repeatedly used an email address with the domain name 'gwb43.com', as seen in this communication with Sampson and Goodling. This domain is owned by the Republican National Committee. The use of a private email address for government business is a potential violation of the Presidential Records Act, as it allows officials to conduct White House business without record.
Research by Will Thomas
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