Orange County Register

Want to talk about your deep feelings on public corruption, the Orange County “good ole boys” and whether you think Hillary Clinton should have “dumped” Bill Clinton because of his infidelities?

Then I hope you get a jury summons for the upcoming trial of former Sheriff Mike Carona. In a filing today about a possible juror questionaire, prosecutors object to more than 200 questions proposed by Carona’s lawyers. Among them are inquiries about the use of obscenities, maritial infidelity and the moral standards of elected officials.

– Peggy Lowe

For instance, No. D181 says, “In your opinion, should Hillary Clinton have ‘dumped’ Bill Clinton for his marital infidelity?” The offered answers are definitely, probably, no, and unsure. Then, “please explain why or why not.” Painting Debbie Carona as Hillary Clinton? Well, I guess they’re both blonde.

Question No. D160 says, “Often the people who most strongly proclaim moral superiority are the ones most likely to hypocritically engage in marital infidelity.” That is, of course, a reference to the very Christian Carona’s alleged mistress, Debra Hoffman.

Then there’s Question No. D164 — “Use of profanity often shows low social status.” Think that goes to the transcript of Don Haidl’s meeting with Carona? That read like a scene with Tony and Paulie having cocktails at the Bada Bing.

Carona’s lawyers seem to also want to ferret out those people who are uncomfortable talking about sex. No. D193 says “To what extent does it embarrass, anger, or bother you to discuss sex or sexual situations?” The offered answers are: not at all, a little, somewhat, quite a bit, very much, then “please explain.”

The Orange County history of, um, shall we say “colorful” (read: indicted) politicians who stick together is referenced in Question No. D143: “In Orange County, the “good ole boys’ network” will always prevail. Strongly agree, Agree, Unsure, Disagree.”

Otherwise, there are 211 questions that government and Carona’s lawyers agree on — the standard stuff about work and family history, whether you’ve had a run-in with the law and whether you understand English well. Prosecutors offered up 19 standard inquiries.

The final questionnaire will be left up to a judge to decide. But if you’re called for federal jury duty in the next few weeks, you might get ready for some steamy essay questions.

– Peggy Lowe

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