IP: POLITICS '97: STATUS QUO WINS REELECTION IN A LANDSLIDE!

[Dave Farber <farber () cis upenn edu>]

WHAT'S NEW by Robert L. Park   Friday, 8 Nov 96    Washington, DC


1. POLITICS '97: STATUS QUO WINS REELECTION IN A LANDSLIDE!  The
Commerce and Education Departments may feel a little less heat:
education has emerged as a popular issue with the public, while
several foes of the Commerce Department will not be back.  Bob
Walker (R-Pa) retired, while Larry Pressler (R-SD), who chaired
the Senate Commerce Committee, and freshman Dick Chrysler (R-MI),
who proposed eliminating the US Weather Service because "I get my
weather from the weather channel," were not reelected. Alas, no
relief in sight for DOE.  Freshman axe-wielder Sam Brownback (R-
KA), who led the House effort to eliminate four Departments, has
moved up to the Senate, where he can be expected to continue his
assault.  That should add strength to the Domenici initiative to
restructure the Energy Department as a non-cabinet agency (WN 30
Aug 96).  At least DOE can focus on something besides explaining
the Secretary's travel budget -- Hazel O'Leary has announced her
intention to leave government.  Speculation about a replacement
centers on Rep. Bill Richardson (D-NM), a seven-term member of
the House whose district includes Los Alamos.  A big turnover of
agency heads is generally expected at the start of a second term.