American Notes Investigations

Though his lobbying business has dried up amid charges of illegal influence peddling, former White House Aide Michael Deaver seemed to be on the rebound. Deaver recently emerged from self-imposed obscurity to advise Ronald Reagan on the Iran-contra crisis. Moreover, an investigation of Deaver's affairs has dragged on for seven months, prompting allies to suggest that Special Prosecutor Whitney North Seymour Jr. had no case against him. Last week, however, a federal court broadened Seymour's authority: several Deaver associates could soon face charges of perjury and obstructing justice, and Deaver might be indicted for lying to a House subcommittee in May.

The Justice Department has indicated that it may ask for an independent counsel in the case of another onetime Reagan staffer, Lyn Nofziger, who is also under investigation for allegedly violating ethics rules on lobbying.