Hung Out to Try Again

Three times the jury deliberating the Iran-contra perjury trial of former CIA spy chief Clair George trooped into the courtroom to report an impasse, and three times Judge Royce Lamberth sent them back out to keep trying. Finally, after almost six days of fruitless deliberation, foreman Steven Kirk said his panel was totally deadlocked on all nine counts -- from perjury to giving false statements to Congress. "As a citizen," said Kirk, a Washington consultant, "I expect senior government officials like Clair George to be more forthcoming to Congress. As a juror, I felt compelled to give him the benefit of the doubt on whether his answers violated criminal statutes."

Citing jurors' reports that a majority favored acquittal on all counts, defense attorney Richard Hibey said he would urge independent counsel Lawrence Walsh to drop the case. Walsh is reportedly determined to proceed. Judge Lamberth ordered a retrial to begin Oct. 19.