Ex-U.S. Envoy Under Scrutiny
LOS ANGELES (AllPolitics, Feb. 10) -- A former U.S. emissary to Taiwan is under investigation for allegedly using his diplomatic post to advance private business deals, according to a report in today's Los Angeles Times. James C. Wood, a friend of President Bill Clinton since the 1960s, urged Taiwanese businesses to quit using a law firm in the U.S. and consider a firm headed by one of Wood's friends, the Times report said. The FBI is investigating that accusation, as well as a report that Wood used the post to solicit overseas contributions for Clinton's re-election. Wood did not return telephone calls seeking comment.
Surgery For Denver Mayor
DENVER (AllPolitics, Feb. 10) -- Mayor Wellington Webb underwent prostate surgery today, two months after he was diagnosed with cancer. Doctors believe the cancer is in its early stages and expect the 55-year-old Webb to recover completely.
Defending Gingrich
WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, Feb. 10) -- Republican leaders have come to House Speaker Newt Gingrich's defense after his entreaties to Rev. Jesse Jackson drew a rebuke last week from values guru William Bennett. "We are the majority party now," Sen. Connie Mack (R-Fla.) said on "Fox News Sunday." "We're going to have to reach out and talk with all Americans about the problems this nation faces." Former vice presidential candidate Jack Kemp called Gingrich's invitation to Jackson to attend the State of the Union speech last week "a very legitimate request."
Thurmond Back At Work
WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, Feb. 10) -- Sen. Strom Thurmond (R-S.C.) left Walter Reed Army Medical Center today in time to preside over the opening of today's Senate session. Thurmond, 94, had been in the hospital since Thursday with the flu. His doctors had recommended hospitalization because of his age and because he lives alone.
Government Services Via The Net
WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, Feb. 10) -- The Clinton Administration will unveil a plan for the federal government to provide some of its commonly requested services via the Internet by the turn of the century. The plan is part of Vice President Al Gore's reinventing government project and will be released Tuesday. Part of the plan calls for setting up Internet terminals at federal buildings and schools. Some of the services to be proposed for Net delivery are allowing college students to apply for loans and to receive the funds in an online transfer; providing police with instant access to fingerprints and criminal records; and allowing prospective homebuyers to check for environmental problems in neighborhoods they are considering.
Rep. Hamilton Won't Run Again
INDIANAPOLIS (AllPolitics, Feb. 10) -- Rep. Lee Hamilton, the ranking Democrat on the House International Relations Committee, said today he will not run for re-election in 1998. Hamilton, 65, issued a statement saying he hoped his southern Indiana constituents "feel that I have served them well." Hamilton gained national prominence during the Iran-Contra hearings.