Date: Fri 21-Aug-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

politics-Clinton-Lewinsky

Full Text:

5th District Opponents Stake Out Positions On Clinton/Lewinsky Affair

BY STEVE BIGHAM

The US House of Representatives is where the President Bill Clinton's

political fate awaits a report by Special Prosecutor Kenneth Starr and

possible first steps toward impeachment. This week, both the incumbent and the

challenger in the 5th Congressional District reacted to the President's

admission Monday night that he had had an "inappropriate" relationship with

former White House intern Monica Lewinksky.

Democratic incumbent James Maloney admitted to feeling disenchanted with the

President's remarks.

"I was very disappointed; not only in what he admitted to, but also in the way

he has handled this," Mr Maloney said during a visit to The Bee Tuesday. "That

speech should have been given six months ago. I think it would have made a big

difference."

Republican challenger Mark Nielsen was much more adamant, suggesting Mr

Clinton should resign outright for his actions.

"The President has admitted to having sex with a 21-year-old intern. His

credibility is shot in view of the fact he has lied to the American people

about this. He should do the right thing and leave office," Mr Nielsen said.

Mr Maloney said the issue with the President has nothing to do with politics

and believes anyone saying there should be an impeachment is making a

"political judgment."

The US House of Representatives will not have any formal responsibilities in

the matter until it receives a report from the special prosecutor, according

to Mr Maloney. Until the report is available, members of Congress should

withhold judgment on the matter, especially since they may be called on to

judge the issue based on evidence rather than political pressure, according to

Mr. Maloney.

Mr Nielsen, 33, said anyone who calls this a "non-political issue" obviously

feels vulnerable. "I don't think Mr Maloney would be saying that if he was a

Republican," he said.

Also, the challenger suggested that Mr Maloney forgo any campaign aid from the

president. "I think Jim Maloney should decline any visit from the president,"

he said.

The Challenge

Mr Nielsen, a former state senator, appears to be gearing up for a hard-nose

run at the incumbent. This week he challenged Mr Maloney to a series of

debates to be held throughout the district. He has even checked Mr Maloney's

schedule, saying that since his opponent will not have to be in Washington in

the coming weeks, he cannot duck debates.

Mr Maloney wasted little time in accepting the challenge, and five debates

have already been tentatively scheduled. Debates are expected to be held in

Danbury, Meriden, Waterbury, the Housatonic Valley and lower Fairfield County.

The incumbent seemed irked that Mr Nielsen used the press to make his

challenge instead of contacting him directly. "He saved 32 cents by sending it

to the press," he said.

Mr Nielsen was also irked after hearing rumors that Mr Maloney wanted to hold

the debates in October. "I don't want to wait until then. I think we should

start now," Mr Nielsen said.