Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, March 15, 1991 TAG: 9103150120
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A/6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Short
Alexander, nominated by President Bush to succeed Lauro Cavazos, was approved by voice vote without dissent.
"Gov. Alexander's knowledge, interest and commitment make him an excellent choice," said Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., chairman of the Labor and Human Resources Committee, which had unanimously approved Alexander 16-0 earlier in the week.
"In the 12 years since the Department of Education was created, four persons have served as secretary," Kennedy said. "None of them had the track record in education that Gov. Alexander brings to the job."
Said Sen. Orrin G. Hatch, R-Utah, ranking committee Republican: "His own dedication to education has evolved and grown throughout his entire life and has been evidenced most recently during his tenure as president of the University of Tennessee.
During confirmation hearings, some senators had questioned Alexander's business dealings.
Kennedy supported the nomination despite saying Alexander had created "the appearance of using his high public office for. . . private financial benefit."
Sen. Claiborne Pell, D-R.I., said Alexander "repeatedly exercised poor judgment, poor taste" in business dealings. But Pell voted for the nomination, saying he "has the qualifications and experience to be a truly excellent secretary of education."
by CNB