In Washington, though, Burton is regarded by many colleagues, even in his own party, as an obstructionist and something of a kook. Burton regularly makes headlines with attention-getting stunts. In 1995, he wrote Clinton, demanding to know whether taxpayers were footing the cost of stationery and postage for the fan club dedicated to Socks, the first cat. In May, Burton released transcripts of former Associate Attorney General Webster Hubbell's prison conversations, but selectively edited out comments suggesting that the first lady was innocent of Whitewater charges. An uproar ensued, and Burton apologized on the House floor.
Friends describe the congressman as remarkably driven and fiercely partisan.
Yet even some Democrats note that he can be heroically loyal, sticking by people during tough times. His staff members say he is unusually concerned and solicitous during their personal difficulties. Some of the people who have been bludgeoned by him publicly find him charming and warm in private. And some witnesses before his committee, though they have complained about his aggressive partisanship, praise his manner, which they say was refreshingly professional. But he always treated me as a gentleman and was always fair when there was an opportunity to do otherwise.