Chronology of events resulting from Common Cause's letter to the Justice Department

November 9, 1996 The Justice Department will not name an independent counsel to investigate Common Cause's allegations at this time, investigations continue. Source: biz.clarinet

The Justice Department reviewed the material provided by Common Cause and found that they could not name an independent counsel at this time because the allegations made were not against a particular individual, which is a prerequisite for naming an independent counsel under the law. Common Cause's letter outlined charges against the two major party's presidential committees, but did not "name names". The Justice Department stated that they are still investigating the allegations of criminal FECA violations and had not ruled out future actions, including the naming of an independent counsel at a later date.

In a letter to Attorney General Janet Reno, Common Cause alleged criminal FECA violations by the presidential committees of both major parties and requested that she name an independent counsel to investigate the charges. Source: Common Cause