A former finance director for Hillary Rodham Clinton goes on trial in a Los Angeles federal courtroom today on charges of lying about the cost of putting on a star-studded fundraiser for the senator's 2000 campaign, a case being seized upon by some of Clinton's political enemies.
The New York Democrat has not been charged in the case and is not expected to testify, but the trial is certain to be scrutinized for any revelations that might provide ammunition for those opposing her bid for reelection next year or a possible run for president in 2008.
At least one local veteran political consultant, however, has expressed doubts about whether Sen. Clinton's political future might be damaged by the case.
"Look, I am no fan of Hillary's," said Allan Hoffenblum, a political analyst and former Republican consultant. "But it seems like every politician in office gets accused of improper political contributions these days.
"Goodness, how many people during the Clinton administration were prosecuted or accused of irregularities in fundraising," said Hoffenblum. "And he still got elected president of the United States."
Charged with three counts of making false statements to the Federal Election Commission is David Rosen, 40, a Chicago consultant who served as Hillary Clinton's finance director in 2000 and who more recently worked on retired Gen. Wesley K. Clark's unsuccessful bid for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Rosen contends he was scammed by two convicted con artists, men the government investigators allegedly relied on to develop their case. Rosen, who is free on bond, could face up to 15 years in prison and a $750,000 fine if convicted.
The allegations involve a lavish party held Aug. 12, 2000, at a Brentwood estate two days before the start of the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles. Aside from Hillary and Bill Clinton, the event was attended by an array of stars, including Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston, Cher, Diana Ross and Muhammad Ali.
Organizers reported raising nearly $1 million for a joint committee that divided the proceeds among Hillary Clinton's Senate campaign and the national and New York state Democratic parties.
The indictment against Rosen states that he falsely reported spending about $400,000 to put on the extravaganza, when it actually cost more than $1.2 million, including $1.1 million worth of in-kind contributions of goods and services.
