Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 13, 1990                   TAG: 9006130571
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A/1   EDITION: EVENING 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Medium

DURENBERGER ASKS FOR COMPASSION

In an intensely personal statement, the Minnesota Republican said repeatedly he was "deeply sorry" for financial deals that he admitted violated Senate rules.

The committee's special counsel, Robert Bennett, recommended Tuesday that the Senate publicly denounce Durenberger for "reprehensible" actions that brought "dishonor and disrepute" on the Senate.

"His conduct was clearly and unequivocally unethical," Bennett told the committee after describing allegations that Durenberger broke Senate rules and federal law through a book-promotion deal and transactions involving his Minneapolis condominium.

Durenberger made no reference to the proposed sanction in a 13-page statement prepared for the committee today. Repeating that he was sorry for his actions four times, Durenberger described how he had thrown himself into his work because of the emotional trauma from his first wife's death and the "daunting challenge" of raising four young sons.

"My life and reputation are at stake, and I believe each of you will combine both good judgment and compassion in your decision," Durenberger said.

Durenberger said he would not challenge the committee's recommended punishment, but he appeared to rule out resigning from the Senate. "When this is done, I intend to serve this body and my home state with a renewed conviction to exemplify the servant in public service," he said.

Only the full Senate can decide to punish one of its members. If the committee and the Senate followed the counsel's recommendation, a resolution would be passed denouncing Durenberger's conduct, but his position as a senator - at least until his next re-election campaign - would not be affected.