TRIALS: The Brothers Nixon

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Ed Nixon supported the defense's contention that Stans had not explicitly requested Vesco to make the gift in cash—a key point in the case. Nixon told how Vesco, a casual acquaintance, had asked him to find out from Stans how he should make his contribution—in cash or by check. At the time, Nixon was employed by the Committee for the Re-Election of the President. Nixon recalled how he had waited for Stans on March 29, 1972, in the Metropolitan Club in New York City, sitting back in a corner and worrying that his single Bloody Mary would not last through the long afternoon. Finally, Stans walked in. The fund raiser then told him, said Nixon, that he did not care how Vesco paid. But, declared Nixon, Stans also suggested that if Vesco wanted to keep his gift anonymous, he should pay in cash. On balance, Ed Nixon seemed to be a plus for the defense.

After five weeks of trial, the prosecution last week rested its case. Judge Gagliardi denied a pro forma defense motion to dismiss all the charges against Stans and Mitchell, though he did toss out one count of obstructing justice. That left 15 others standing against the two former Cabinet officers.