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

DATE: FRIDAY, January 21, 1994                   TAG: 9401210035
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: B-9   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: The Washington Post
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

RUDMAN TURNS DOWN DEFENSE POST

Former Republican Sen. Warren Rudman of New Hampshire told the White House he was not interested in becoming secretary of defense, becoming at least the third person to do so as Clinton aides conducted a semipublic job search.

At the same time, senior administration officials Thursday strongly praised Deputy Defense Secretary William Perry, suggesting that he remains a leading candidate as a replacement for Defense Secretary Les Aspin if none of the outsiders from the corporate and political world work out.

"With Les and Perry there now, the president feels he has some leeway to move in an orderly and comprehensive manner," a senior official involved in the process said.

The past days have been spent sounding out potential candidates before aides have a conclusive discussion with the president about recommendations. Clinton, a senior official said, has not discussed the job with any candidate.

According to administration sources and associates of Rudman, White House Chief of Staff Thomas "Mack" McLarty asked Rudman on Wednesday if wanted to be considered. Rudman, officials said, asked for time to think about it but called the White House in early evening to decline. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sam Nunn, D-Ga., also has told McLarty he does not want to be considered.

by CNB