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

DATE: THURSDAY, May 20, 1993                   TAG: 9305200324
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: WARREN FISKE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Medium

BALILES RUMORED FOR COURT FRIENDS DOUBT HE'D TAKE IT

President Bill Clinton is said to be seriously considering nominating former Gov. Gerald Baliles to the U.S. Supreme Court, but Baliles' associates in Richmond said Wednesday they doubt the Virginian aspires to the high court.

The Baltimore Sun, citing White House advisers who wished to remain anonoymous, said Clinton hopes to make his nomination sometime in the next nine days and that Baliles is "believed by some to be emerging as a strong candidate."

Baliles, a Democrat who was governor from 1986 to 1990, was in Washington on Wednesday and could not be reached for comment. For three years, he has been a partner in the Richmond-based law firm of Hunton & Williams, specializing in international trade.

A former associate who recently discussed the court vacancy with Baliles said the former governor did not appear "the least bit interested" in the post. "I can't imagine, as much as he loves what he's doing," the adviser said. "I would be flabbergasted."

Several other associates voiced similar doubts about Baliles' interest, although they added that they had not discussed the matter with him. The vacancy will be created when Justice Byron White retires this summer.

"The Supreme Court just seems too confining and too sheltered from real life for Jerr," said one former adviser, who asked not to be identified. "Jerry likes to be on the front line, taking an active role in policy and proposing solutions."

Associates said Baliles is enjoying the high salary he is earning in private practice and his freedom to travel internationally on business. "He has all of the challenges of being in public life with none of the heartaches," said one.

The Sun said Clinton also is considering nominating former American Bar Association President Talbot S. D'Alemberte of Miami. D'Alemberte, 60, was a law partner with U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno before she became a prosecutor.

Keywords:
POLITICS

by CNB