In sorting through the abuses of power uncovered during his renowned Watergate investigation, Senator Sam Ervin of North Carolina had suggested that perhaps the Justice department should be separated from White House control. It was an idea Saxbe opposed, but more important, it was a signal to him of the deep suspicion in Congress and among the public about Justice’s integrity. Saxbe knew there was only one way he could reverse public opinion about the Justice department—through bold, decisive, and independent action.
