Why Mr. Chapa, a seasoned prosecutor, would undertake to manufacture evidence so outlandishly remains a mystery.

"Bob is a seasoned prosecutor and skilled trial attorney," Mr. Thornburg said.

To supporters of Mr. Starr, including many seasoned prosecutors, such intimidating tactics are the unsavory reality of a criminal investigation.

He had populated his ranks with highly paid assistants, and lost a handful of the office's most seasoned and respected prosecutors.

The real problem, they said, is retaining seasoned prosecutors.

As he concluded his summary, Mr. Lewis, a seasoned prosecutor, seemed amazed.

He attended the trial nearly every day, watching from the third row as his most seasoned prosecutors presented evidence.

The committee's chief counsel, John Rowley, a senior investigator, and the only other two seasoned prosecutors on the staff resigned.

Even within Starr's own office, there was dissent among seasoned prosecutors over how hard to pursue the Lewinsky investigation.

"Instead of advocating seasoned prosecutors who are up to this enormous responsibility, the governor wants to install two of his friends and associates with close political connections."