Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, April 8, 1994 TAG: 9404080086
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
"We've not focused solely on Mitchell," senior White House adviser Bruce Lindsey said. "It's unfair to Senator Mitchell and everyone else to write the others off."
Mitchell, a respected political leader and consensus builder, clearly remained a front-runner, though.
White House Press Secretary Dee Dee Myers said the possibility that he might become the nominee would not undermine his role as the administration's point man in the Senate on health care reform.
"If anything, it enhances his stature," Myers said.
Other potential candidates are believed to include federal judges Stephen G. Breyer of Boston and Jose A. Cabranes of Connecticut; Appeals Judge Richard Arnold of Little Rock, Ark.; Attorney General Janet Reno; and Solicitor General Drew Days.
Administration officials said that about a dozen candidates will be considered.
They said it could be weeks before Clinton decides who will succeed Justice Harry Blackmun, 85, who announced Wednesday that he will resign this year.
The White House appeared to give more weight Thursday to Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt's declaration that he wasn't interested in the Supreme Court and wanted to stay where he was.
"You have to take that in consideration when you make an appointment, whether a person has said he doesn't want it," Myers said. A day earlier, White House special counsel Lloyd Cutler said he imagined that Babbitt would be considered regardless.
By nominating Mitchell, Clinton would have a candidate who could sail through the Senate without a fight.
Yet, the White House has been counting on Mitchell to spearhead the health care battle.
Administration officials have mapped out scenarios in which Mitchell would continue to serve in the Senate between the time of nomination and confirmation.
by CNB