KENNETH STARR STILL HAS JOB TO FINISH AFTER REVERSING COURSE

Kenneth Starr, the independent counsel appointed to investigate the Whitewater scandals, suffered through a bad week when he announced, Monday before last, that he was leaving his post for a job at Pepperdine University Law School, only to recant and announce four days later that he was staying. "When I make a mistake, it's a beaut," said Starr, reprising the quip made famous by the late New York mayor, Fiorella LaGuradia. Amen to that.

Ken Starr is a widely respected legal pro who served six years as an appellate judge on the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, just one rung below the U.S. Supreme Court. Following that post he served as solicitor general in the Bush administration, arguing appeals in the U.S. Supreme Court from this perch, which is second only in rank to the attorney general. We are talking about a heavyweight. This more than anything else explains the ferocity with which certain Clinton administration retainers, most notably James Carville, have gone after the man.

Moreover, Starr's original jurisdiction -- to inquire into some bogus land deals and a failed savings and loan back in Arkansas -- have twice been broadened by the court that appointed him. Part of the broadening the court ordered for his investigation is an inquiry into what is delicately called "the Washington phase of the investigation," namely the possible cover-up of much of these shenanigans that may well have occurred inside the White House since the 1992 election. None should forget that his first prosecution resulted in multiple convictions by an Arkansas jury, including making felons out of Jim and Susan McDougall, erstwhile business partners of the Clintons, together with then-sitting Gov. Jim Guy Tucker. Tucker resigned in disgrace and awaits another Starr-led trial on felony charges.

Starr clearly underestimated the impact of his announced departure, not least on the staff of professional prosecutors he had assembled. Having cut his losses by reversing course and admitting a mistake, he can now return to finish his important work.