Meese Associate Quits to Become Aide to Robertson
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WASHINGTON — Herbert Ellingwood, a vocal advocate of the religious right and longtime friend of Atty. Gen. Edwin Meese III, resigned his Justice Department job today to be an aide to the Rev. Pat Robertson, a likely presidential candidate.
Ellingwood, who reportedly holds prayer meetings in his office, begins work next week as Robertson’s administrative assistant, a spokesman for the television evangelist said.
At the Justice Department, Ellingwood was director of the Office of Liaison. He was originally named to head the Office of Legal Policy, which screens candidates for federal judges. But opponents, questioning his connection with a “Christian talent bank” to recruit Christians for federal jobs, mounted a campaign to defeat his nomination and Meese chose a post that does not require Senate confirmation.
Ellingwood reportedly once said President Reagan was “instantly healed of ulcers” after being told a Sacramento group was praying for him.
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