Republicans argued she should have sought appointment of an independent counsel to investigate allegations of Clinton-Gore fundraising violations. Democrats, meanwhile, grumbled that she failed to act as a team player. In early , Reno tried to negotiate the return to Cuba of 5-year-old Elian, who had been rescued after his mother and others drowned trying to boat from Cuba to Florida.
He had been placed in the care of a Miami uncle, but his father, who lived in Cuba, wanted him returned to the island. When Reno decided talks had broken down that April, she ordered an early morning raid by federal agents who seized the boy, provoking the ire of Miami's Cuban-American community. Reno insisted that Elian should be with his father — she even kept a snapshot of a smiling Elian in his father's arms near her home computer.
Reno said later that federal officials tried until the last minute to negotiate a voluntary handover and avoid the raid — where Elian was found hiding in a closet and confronted by an agent with a gun. As attorney general, Reno was derided by late night talk show hosts for her homely appearance, short wash-and-wear haircut and simple black pumps. Reno began her career in Miami in the mids and had her first encounter with the "glass ceiling," getting passed over for a job at a law firm because she was a woman.
She later made partner. In , she lost a race for a Miami-area legislative seat but learned the importance of sticking to her principles from mentor John Orr, a former state lawmaker. It became one of her favorite sayings. After losing that election, Reno was hired by the Dade State Attorney's office, where she established herself as an organized and competent lawyer.
As prosecutor, Reno built programs to help reform drug dealers and combat domestic violence. Another program strong-armed deadbeat dads into paying child support, inspiring a rap song named after her. It included the line: "All the money you get, all the checks you make; Janet Reno will make sure and take.
She also weathered a riot after an all-white jury acquitted five police officers for the beating death of a black insurance salesman. Eighteen people were killed in the rioting and crowds chanted Reno's name, accusing her of being a racist and demanding her resignation. Reno refused. Reno eventually won the support of the city's black community, attending countless community meetings, church services and parades.
Her last foray into politics was the race for Florida governor. Known for being down-to-earth — her home number was listed in a city directory both before and after Washington — and even folksy, she crisscrossed the state to campaign in a red Ford Ranger pickup truck.
Republican Gov. Jeb Bush defeated McBride to win a second term. In the end, Ferrell settled on Reno dancing, inspired, according to NPR , by reports that she had cut an impressive a figure dancing at a Justice Department party. To portray her as a wallflower that nobody asks to dance is not only demeaning but inaccurate. Write to Kate Samuelson at kate. By Kate Samuelson. Related Stories.
Already a print subscriber? Go here to link your subscription. Need help? Visit our Help Center. Go here to connect your wallet. Republicans attacked her handling of the campaign fund-raising scandal linked to the election, and there were some calls for her to step down. The anti-trust suit against Microsoft, Inc. When confronted, they back down. When we remain silent, they flourish. He was the only survivor of a group of Cuban migrants, including his mother, who died trying to gain entry to the United States.
The young boy became the center of an international custody fight between his father in Cuba and his relatives in Florida. Reno became involved in negotiations and when they stalled in April she ordered a raid on the U. Her controversial intervention enraged the Cuban American community in Miami.
After leaving the post in , Reno returned to Florida. She ran for governor in , but failed to win the Democratic nomination. Since then, Reno largely stayed out of public life.
The cause of her death was complications from Parkinson's disease, which she had battled since We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us! Subscribe to the Biography newsletter to receive stories about the people who shaped our world and the stories that shaped their lives. Janet Jackson, the youngest sibling in the musical Jackson family, is one of the best-selling artists in contemporary history.
Stephen Breyer is an associate justice for the U. Supreme Court, who was nominated by President Bill Clinton.
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