Nora! Nora! Nora!
There is no public official to whom the people of Connecticut owe a greater debt that Nora Dannehy, the distinguished federal prosecutor who Attorney General-elect George Jepsen announced today will serve as his deputy.
Fridays in December can be momentous for Dannehy. Seven years ago on this second Friday in December, Dannehy was investigating Governor John G. Rowland when he was forced to admit some of the lies he’d told about gifts he’d received from people doing business with the state. A year later, Rowland would enter into a plea agreement signed by Dannehy that would send the by then former governor to the hoosegow for his corrupt practices. What Governor-elect Dannel Malloy refers to as a criminal enterprise (when he’s not on Rowland’s radio program) was brought down by Dannehy’s determination.
Dannehy also prosecuted former State Treasurer Paul Silvester and his cabal of corrupt staff members and courtiers in a wide ranging investigation of state government that began a long and dispiriting run of revelations of betrayals of the public.
This is a big get for Jepsen. It may require Dannehy to make a few changes in her customs. She may have to acknowledge the press with more than her trade mark royal nod as she sweeps into a courtroom to bring down another miscreant. She might have to consent to an interview. However she discharges her new responsibilities, Dannehy will bring her gifts of energy and integrity to the task.
Merry Christmas, Connecticut.
4 comments
A fine choice by Mr. Jepsen. I cannot think of a better person to have on your team.
Birds of a feather flock together:
At a recent fundraiser in Bridgeport, AG-elect George Jepson gave a speech that centered around honesty, integrity and the word of law.
…and Happy New Year
As is usually the case — or at least the perception — government officials provide ample opportunities for determined prosecutors to uncover and pursue corrupt practices. But is equally the case — and likewise a well founded perception — government usually lacks the determination to police itself. Perhaps the lack of appetite for the government to unleash a determined prosecutor upon itself is, as Paul commented above, that “birds of a feather flock together.” Or, perhaps, it is because “the apple does not fall far from the tree.” Whatever the reason, our government, especially in light of all the new players and a new team captain, is ripe for a feast. If “Nora! Nora! Nora!” is still hungry, not just a fasting and attenuated shadow of her hallowed reputation, she is certain to find in her new position many governmental practices (probably much juicier than Rowland’s relatively petty criminal enterprise) worthy of a hearty battle cry, “Tora! Tora! Tora!” and a smorgasbord meriting her repast.