Mr. Kenneth Boehm, Esq.
Chairman
National Legal and Policy Center
1309 Vincent Place - Suite 1000
McLean, VA 22101

Dear Mr. Boehm:

Thank you for your March 11, 1998 letter relating to Robert D. Luskin's role in the LIUNA reform process. We appreciate your interest in the LIUNA reform effort. As you are aware, as part of the Department of Justice's agreement with LIUNA, we are monitoring LIUNA's efforts at internal reform. We do not have the authority to directly remove or appoint any official in LIUNA's reform structure although we could recommend that LIUNA remove someone if we believe cause exists for his removal.

Although we are not completely satisfied with all aspects of LIUNA's reform effort, we believe that the internal reform process has resulted in considerable success. Over 100 union officials have been disciplined or are in the process of being disciplined, major initiatives have been launched in Chicago, Buffalo, New Jersey and New York, and the union has held the first nationwide rank and file election in its history. As the GEB Attorney Robert Luskin has played an integral role in LIUNA's reform process.

We do not believe that Mr. Luskin's comments on public issues that do not directly relate to the LIUNA reform effort constitute cause for his dismissal. Mr. Luskin's personal views on matters outside of LIUNA are beyond the scope of our oversight. Mr. Luskin's failures and accomplishment in the LIUNA reform process will be judged on the substance of his actions and not on the basis of his personal views.

Thank you for your interest in the LIUNA reform process and for bringing your views to our attention.

Very truly yours,

SCOTT R. LASSAR
United States Attorney

By:
CRAIG A. OSWALD
Assistant United States Attorney
DAVID D. BUVINGER
Assistant United States Attorney
J. KENNETH LOWRIE
Organized Crime and Racketeering Section

cc: Frank Marine, OCRS
Robert D. Luskin, Esq.