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PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
Ben Johnson
Minyan Moore
Richard Socaries
3
PRESIDENT WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON
VIDEOTAPED REMARKS TO THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL ON
THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF ISRAELI STATEHOOD
WASHINGTON, DC
APRIL 13, 1998
On behalf of the American people, I want to express our heartfelt
congratulations to the people of Israel on the 50th birthday of your
remarkable nation.
In May 1948, Israel arose from the seeds of the Diaspora and the ashes
of the Holocaust. In Washington, some advisors urged President Harry
Truman to wait and see before recognizing the new nation. Truman
would have none of it. He had a deep understanding of the suffering and
the dreams of peoples from Biblical times through modern times. He
saw a moral imperative in supporting a Jewish homeland.
In one of my country's proudest chapters, eleven minutes after Israel
proclaimed independence, the United States became the first country to
recognize your new nation. Truman was a tough leader, but when
Israel's chief rabbi came to the White House to express his gratitude,
tears streamed down Truman's cheeks.
Over 50 years, Israel has seen blood and tears, but there have also been
extraordinary triumphs -- making a once barren desert bloom, building a
thriving democracy on hostile terrain, winning battles, and now waging
the most important struggle of all: the struggle for a lasting and secure
peace. I am proud that America and Israel have been -- and will remain
-- the closest of friends and allies. We wish you a joyous celebration --
and a peaceful and prosperous future.
###
2
PRESIDENT WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON
VIDEO MESSAGE FOR REP. VIC FAZIO
MAY 4, 1998
It's my honor to pay tribute to my good friend Vic Fazio as he retires from Congress.
Respected on both sides of the aisle, Vic has set the standard in the House of Representatives.
He's led the way by building consensus, finding common ground, and standing tough when
necessary. Vic not only took pride in his own legislative work, but in the institution of Congress
itself. Good laws were passed in Congress because of Vic's energy, keen negotiating skills, and
determination to listen to both sides. It's no wonder he's referred to as the House's Mr.
Goodwrench -- he's the kind of guy that gets things done, and gets things done the right way.
Vic spent 20 years in Washington as a powerful and influential lawmaker, yet he never
forgot the people of his community. He remained fiercely dedicated to the 3rd district in
California, effectively representing all corners of the sprawling Central Valley. In a time of
political show horses, Vic was a workhorse for Northern California. He fought to bolster the
economic prosperity of this developing area, while restoring the precious ecology of the
Sacramento-San Joaquin [Wah-KEEN] Delta. Year after year, day in and day out, Vic worked to
provide better schools, improve health care, and make our neighborhoods safer. He helped
restore the bond of trust between the people and their government.
I imagine the people of California will soon wonder how one member of Congress could
have accomplished so much. You only have to look at Vic's contagious smile to know that his
success begins with the way he connects so easily with others. When I was new to Washington
he reached out to me and we forged a lasting partnership. I have depended on his guidance. Vic,
I know that your decision is the right one, but I'm sure sad to see you leave Capitol Hill.
Hillary and I wish you, Judy, and the whole Fazio family the best of luck in the years to
come.
###
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON
VIDEO MESSAGE TO CHARLIE GIBSON
MAY 1, 1998
Charlie, for 11 years you've sacrificed your morning's sleep to give the rest of America a good
start to its day. By my calculation, that's 2,640 "Good Mornings!" Along with millions of
people across the country, Hillary and I are sad to see you go. We wish you all the best as you
begin this exciting new stage of your life.
###
5
Draft 04/10/98 5:00pm
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON
VIDEOTAPED 75th BIRTHDAY GREETINGS TO SUMNER REDSTONE
April 13, 1998
I want to offer a special birthday greeting to Sumner Redstone. Sumner, even for a man
of your many accomplishments, reaching your 75th year is a special milestone, and it calls for a
special celebration. Hillary and I wish we could join you and Phyllis for this memorable
occasion. We are thinking of you and wishing you continued health and happiness. Have a great
75th birthday.
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON
VIDEO MESSAGE TO THE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE ON CIVIL RIGHTS
APRIL 20, 1998
Good Evening. Thank you for the opportunity to join the Leadership Conference on Civil
Rights as you honor three outstanding Americans with the Hubert Humphrey Civil Rights
Award. Tonight we celebrate the spirit of America's "happy warrior" -- Hubert H. Humphrey, a
man who moved this country forward "into the bright sunshine of human rights."
Hubert H. Humphrey wasn't the only voice challenging our nation to form a more perfect
union. Forty-eight years ago, A. Phillip Randolph, Roy Wilkins, and Arnold Aronson
[AIR-on-son] formed the Leadership Conference and began helping hundreds of disparate groups
keep their eyes on the prize and speak with one booming voice. In the words of the NAACP's
great advocate Clarence Mitchell, "there would be no civil rights movement without the
Leadership Conference." All three pioneers of the Conference earned this country's highest
honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This past January, it was my great privilege to award
the medal to Arnold Aronson, just weeks before his passing.
We have made great progress in this country, but we know that there is much to be done.
With the help of coalitions like yours, I've launched this national initiative on race to recognize
our common interests and to bridge the opportunity gaps that are keeping us from becoming one
America. With shared values, meaningful opportunities, honest communication, and citizen
service, we can unite a diverse people in freedom and mutual respect.
Tonight, a special congratulations to the Hubert H. Humphrey Award Recipients. Bob
Lanier, thank you for your 50 years of dedication to advancing civil rights. From your days as a
young law student, teaching those African Americans denied admission to college, to your years
of distinguished service as mayor of Houston, you have led us all by reaching out, opening doors,
and blocking efforts to reverse the progress we have made. Debbie Allen and Steven Spielberg,
thank you for bringing to life the powerful story of the Amistad -- a narrative of hope and
redemption from one of the darkest chapters of our history. As I was so powerfully reminded on
my trip to Africa, only by understanding our past can we can we seize the potential of the
present.
I congratulate my good friends Wade Henderson and Dorothy Height, and all of you for
your work with the Leadership Conference. Your courage, your persistence, and your continued
successes help all Americans live closer and truer to our ideals.
###
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON
VIDEO MESSAGE TO CHARLIE GIBSON
MAY 1, 1998
Charlie, for 11 years you've sacrificed your morning's sleep to give the rest of America a good
start to its day. By my calculation, that's 2,640 "Good Mornings!" Along with millions of
people across the country, Hillary and I are sad to see you go. We wish you all the best as you
begin this exciting new stage of your life.
###
PRESIDENT WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON
VIDEO MESSAGE FOR REP. VIC FAZIO
MAY 4, 1998
It's my honor to pay tribute to my good friend Vic Fazio as he retires from Congress.
Respected on both sides of the aisle, Vic has set the standard in the House of Representatives.
He's led the way by building consensus, finding common ground, and standing tough when
necessary. Vic not only took pride in his own legislative work, but in the institution of Congress
itself. Good laws were passed in Congress because of Vic's energy, keen negotiating skills, and
determination to listen to both sides. It's no wonder he's referred to as the House's Mr.
Goodwrench - he's the kind of guy that gets things done, and gets things done the right way.
Vic spent 20 years in Washington as a powerful and influential lawmaker, yet he never
forgot the people of his community. He remained fiercely dedicated to the 3rd district in
California, effectively representing all corners of the sprawling Central Valley. In a time of
political show horses, Vic was a workhorse for Northern California. He fought to bolster the
economic prosperity of this developing area, while restoring the precious ecology of the
Sacramento-San Joaquin [Wah-KEEN] Delta. Year after year, day in and day out, Vic worked to
provide better schools, improve health care, and make our neighborhoods safer. He helped
restore the bond of trust between the people and their government.
I imagine the people of California will soon wonder how one member of Congress could
have accomplished so much. You only have to look at Vic's contagious smile to know that his
success begins with the way he connects so easily with others. When I was new to Washington
he reached out to me and we forged a lasting partnership. I have depended on his guidance. Vic,
I know that your decision is the right one, but I'm sure sad to see you leave Capitol Hill.
Hillary and I wish you, Judy, and the whole Fazio family the best of luck in the years to
come.
###
Draft 4/10 3:30pm
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON
VIDEO MESSAGE TO CHARLIE GIBSON
MAY 1, 1998
Charlie, for 11 years you've sacrificed your morning's sleep to give the rest of America a good
start to its day. By my calculation, that's 2,640 "Good Mornings!" Along with millions of
people across the country, Hillary and I are sad to see you go. We wish you all the best as you
begin this exciting new stage of your life.
###
Draft 4/10 3:30pm
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON
VIDEO MESSAGE TO CHARLIE GIBSON
MAY 1, 1998
Charlie, for 11 years you've sacrificed your morning's sleep to give the rest of America a good
start to its day. By my calculation, that's 2,640 "Good Mornings!" Along with millions of
people across the country, Hillary and I are sad to see you go. We wish you all the best as you
begin this exciting new stage of your life.
###
Draft 4/10/98 3:30pm
PRESIDENT WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON
VIDEO MESSAGE FOR REP. VIC FAZIO
MAY 4, 1998
It's my honor to pay tribute to my good friend Vic Fazio as he retires from Congress.
Respected on both sides of the aisle, Vic has set the standard in the House of Representatives.
He's led the way by building consensus, finding common ground, and standing tough when
necessary. Vic not only took pride in his own legislative work but in the institution of Congress
itself. Good laws were passed in Congress because of Vic's energy, keen negotiating skills, and
determination to listen to both sides. It's no wonder he's referred to as the House's Mr.
Goodwrench he's the kind of guy that gets things done, and gets things done the right way.
Vic spent 20 years in Washington as a powerful and influential lawmaker, yet he never
forgot the people of his community. He remained fiercely dedicated to the 3rd district in
California, effectively representing all corners of the sprawling Central Valley. In a time of
political show horses, Vic was a workhorse for Northern California. He worked to bolster the
economic prosperity of this developing area while restoring the precious ecology of the
Sacramento-San Joaquin [Wah-KEEN] Delta. Year after year, day in and day out, Vic worked to
provide better schools, improve health care, and make our neighborhoods safer. He helped
restore the bond of trust between the people and their government.
I imagine soon, if it hasn't happened already, the people of California will wonder how
one member of Congress could have accomplished so much. You only have to look at Vic's
contagious smile to know that his success begins with the way he connects so easily with others.
When I was new to Washington he reached out to me and we forged a lasting partnership. I have
depended on his guidance. Vic, I know that your decision is the right one, but I'm sad to see you
leave Capitol Hill.
Hillary and I wish you, Judy, and the whole Fazio family the best of luck in the years to
come.
###
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON
VIDEO MESSAGE TO THE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE ON CIVIL RIGHTS
APRIL 20, 1998
Good Evening. Thank you for the opportunity to join the Leadership Conference on Civil
Rights as you honor three outstanding Americans with the Hubert Humphrey Civil Rights
Award. Tonight we celebrate the spirit of America's "happy warrior" -- Hubert H. Humphrey, a
man who moved this country forward "into the bright sunshine of human rights."
Hubert H. Humphrey wasn't the only voice challenging our nation to form a more perfect
union. Forty-eight years ago, A. Phillip Randolph, Roy Wilkins, and Arnold Aronson
[AIR-on-son] formed the Leadership Conference and began helping hundreds of disparate groups
keep their eyes on the prize and speak with one booming voice. In the words of the NAACP's
great advocate Clarence Mitchell, "there would be no civil rights movement without the
Leadership Conference." All three pioneers of the Conference earned this country's highest
honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This past January, it was my great privilege to award
the medal to Arnold Aronson, just weeks before his passing.
We have made great progress in this country, but we know that there is much to be done.
With the help of coalitions like yours, I've launched this national initiative on race to recognize
our common interests and to bridge the opportunity gaps that are keeping us from becoming one
America. With shared values, meaningful opportunities, honest communication, and citizen
service, we can unite a diverse people in freedom and mutual respect.
Tonight, a special congratulations to the Hubert H. Humphrey Award Recipients. Bob
Lanier, thank you for your 50 years of dedication to advancing civil rights. From your days as a
young law student, teaching those African Americans denied admission to college, to your years
of distinguished service as mayor of Houston, you have led us all by reaching out, opening doors,
and blocking efforts to reverse the progress we have made. Debbie Allen and Steven Spielberg,
thank you for bringing to life the powerful story of the Amistad a narrative of hope and
redemption from one of the darkest chapters of our history. As I was so powerfully reminded on
my trip to Africa, only by understanding our past can we can we seize the potential of the
present.
I congratulate my good friends Wade Henderson and Dorothy Height, and all of you for
your work with the Leadership Conference. Your courage, your persistence, and your continued
successes help all Americans live closer and truer to our ideals.
###
PRESIDENT WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON
VIDEO MESSAGE FOR REP. VIC FAZIO
MAY 4, 1998
It's my honor to pay tribute to my good friend Vic Fazio as he retires from Congress.
Respected on both sides of the aisle, Vic has set the standard in the House of Representatives.
He's led the way by building consensus, finding common ground, and standing tough when
necessary. Vic not only took pride in his own legislative work but in the institution of Congress
itself. Good laws were passed in Congress because of Vic's energy, keen negotiating skills and
determination to listen to both sides. It's no wonder he's referred to as the House's Mr.
Goodwrench -- he's the kind of guy that gets things done, and gets things done the right way.
Vic spent 20 years in Washington as a powerful and influential lawmaker, yet he never
forgot the people of his community. He remained fiercely dedicated to the 3rd district in
California, effectively representing the polar ends of the sprawling Central Valley.
In a time of political show horses, Vic was a workhorse for Northern California. He worked to
bolster the economic prosperity of this developing area while restoring the precious ecology of
the Sacramento-San Joaquin [Wah-KEEN] Delta. Year after year, day in and day out, Vic
worked to provide better schools, improve health care, and make our neighborhoods safer. He
helped restore the bond of trust between the people and their government.
I imagine soon, if it hasn't happened already, the people of California will wonder how
one member of Congress could have accomplished so much. One must simply look at Vic's
contagious smile to know that his success is rooted in the way he connects so easily with others.
When I was new to Washington,he reached out to me and a good partnership was forged. I've
depended on his guidance and I'm sad to see him leave Capitol Hill.
Vic, I admire your dedication to your family and know that your decision is the right one.
Hillary and I wish you, Judy and the whole Fazio family the best of luck in the years to come.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Sacramento, California)
For Immediate Release
November 15, 1997
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
TO THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE
Sacramento Capital Club
Sacramento, California
2:15 P.M. PST
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Eleni, thank you very much for your
remarks and for the hard work that you have done. Thank you, Angelo and Sophia.
Congressman Matsui, when he stood up and said that he was speaking on behalf of the
Tsakapoulous family, I thought we were taking ethnic diversity a little far there. But you know
me; as far as I'm concerned, it should have no limits. So I liked it.
I want Bob Matsui and Vic Fazio for the wonderful work that they do in Congress. I
have wished on many days -- privately, SO I might as well say publicly -- that a higher percentage
of people in both parties were more like Bob Matsui and Vic Fazio. They always try to find
common ground and they're always willing to stand tough and fight if necessary. They get a lot
done and they're always looking to the future. And I'm very grateful to them.
I'm also glad to be back in Sacramento and back here with your mayor, who has been a
good friend of mine and a good leader. And I thank him for that. And Phil Angeles, good luck
to you in your endeavor this year. Most people should trust you to handle the money. You've
had a lot of experience at it. Thank you.
I'd also like to thank my good friend, Dan Dutko for coming all the way from
Washington, D.C. to be part of the Democratic Party's efforts today. And let me thank all of you.
Congress has just gone home and this was a remarkably good year. It's a two-year
congressional session; we have a lot to do next year, but we did pass the first balanced budget in
a generation. We ratified the Chemical Weapons Treaty, which will help to protect our children
and our grandchildren, and involves a lot of what is at stake in Iraq today.
We made progress on expanding NATO in ways that will give us a chance to have a
21st century where Europe is a source of peace and prosperity, not a cause for war that involves
Americans. We passed a wonderful adoption bill that I will sign in the next few days to facilitate
adoptions in many ways in America. We passed a huge increase in medical research in all kinds
of areas and the best package to help families with diabetes, according to the American Diabetes
Association, since the discovery of insulin 70 years ago. So it was a very good year for the
American people in the Congress.
What I'd like to talk to you about a little bit today is how that year is a part of what we've
been doing for the last five years, and what I hope to be doing for the next three; how it fits in
with what we celebrated just a few moments ago when I went out, literally, to the wetlands area
today -- to celebrate this joint partnership to try to restore wetlands and to preserve some of your
precious environmental heritage, even as you permit the economy to grow and the uses of water
to proliferate.
When I started running for President about six years ago, our country was not in very
good shape -- California was in terrible shape economically. But times come and go. In every
person's life, in every country's life there are times that are better than other times. There will
never be a period where we have complete, unbounded, uninterrupted good news. I used to have
a set of rules for public life I kept with me, and one of them said you're almost most vulnerable
when you think you're invulnerable. Something is always going to happen, it's endemic to the
human condition.
But what a free people must always have is a vision of where they're going, a strategy to
get there and the concentration and discipline to pursue the strategy through the tough times.
That's what I didn't think we had in 1991 and why I ran for President. And my goal as a
Democrat was basically to take the mainstream values of our party and our country and marry
them to modern ideas and policies that would move-the country forward, and that would take us
into the 21st century with the American Dream alive for everybody responsible enough to work
for it. It would help us to create a country where we were coming together across all the lines
that divide us into one America, and would keep us strong enough to continue to lead the world
for peace and freedom and prosperity.
As you see from the events of the last week, I think it is clear that at the end of the Cold
War not all of the dangers of the world have gone away. And it is very important that the United
States be strong enough to do what is necessary to stick up not only for our own interests and our
own security, but for the kind of world we are trying to create.
And that's what we have been doing for the last five years. And what I want you to
understand that is so often overlooked is that there is a direct connection between your
presence at this lunch here today and what we have been doing and what we will be able to do,
because, in the end, the people who make decisions are those that are put there by the American
people. They are put there after elections. And if you don't have the capacity to communicate
your message to be heard and to answer the charges against you in this world today, you'll be in a
lot of trouble.
So every time you hear -- if you've been out here helping us all these years -- every time
you hear of a new breakthrough, a new movement forward for the United States, you should feel
that you are a part of that. And you should be under no illusion that if there were not people like
you around to help us that all these ideas, all these policies and all these people would be around
anyway -- it's not so. I've seen elections conducted in an atmosphere of unilateral disarmament
and I wasn't very satisfied with the results. It doesn't work very well in politics and it doesn't
work very well in other areas of human endeavor. So I'm glad you're here.
What is it that's changed in the last five years? Well, the first thing we had to do was to
make up our mind in Washington what the government's job was. What's the President supposed
to do every day when he gets up? What's the Congress supposed to do? What is our job? What
is the role of government and what must our priorities be?
The old debate seemed to me to be a little bit artificial, where people said, well, the
government has to try to do everything when there's a problem, and others would say the
government is the problem and should do nothing and we hope everybody will come out all
right. Neither one of those was consistent with the way I saw people living in my state and my
hometown, or everything I knew about how you build an economy or a society.
So I tried to reformulate what I believe the mission of government is, and I think it is --
and I hope it is -- the philosophy of the Democratic Party on the edge of a new century. We
believe the role of government is not to do everything or to sit on the sidelines, but to give people
the tools and conditions they need to make the most of their own lives. If you think about it in
that way, it tells you what to do and what to stop doing.
Now, that doesn't answer the question -- SO what should your economic policy be? We
believe that there was a false choice put before the American people -- should we cut taxes and
run a huge deficit, or don't cut them and spend a little more money and run a slightly smaller
deficit? Our country's debt quadrupled in the 1980s and it was wrong. We said we're going to
cut the deficit, we're going to cut spending, but we're going to spend more on education, on
technology, on medical research, on the things that are key to our future. We're going to make
choices.
The strategy worked. Before the balanced budget kicks in, the economic plan adopted
by Democrats only, including the two members of Congress in this room, have reduced the
deficit by 92 percent -- 92 percent -- from where it was the day I took office.
What was our crime policy? I was amazed when I got to Washington, there were people
who actually wrote in newspapers and respectable journals that if I talked about crime I was
trying to get a Republican issue. And I was not aware that Democrats were pro-crime. Nor was I
aware that the Republicans had done such a great job, since the crime rate was -- had gone up
quite a lot.
Now, most anticrime work is done at the community level -- in the city of Sacramento, in
this county. But it was obvious there were things that national government could do to make a
difference. And I went all across the country looking at things that were working, talking to
people. And I said, our crime policy is not going to be caught in the old debate, lock them up
and throw away the key or hope things get better and when things get better the crime rate will
go down. Neither one was, I thought, particularly accurate. I thought we ought to be tough
and smart and do what works -- put 100,000 more police on the street, take assault weapons off
the street, keep handguns out of the hands of crooks, give kids something to say yes to so they
don't get in trouble in the first place, and punish people who are really bad. That's what I thought
our policy ought to be.
And the crime rate has dropped now for five years in a row. And we played a role in it.
And I feel good about that.
Our welfare policy -- the old policy was encourage people to do better, or cut them off
and who cares. That was the old debate. Our theory was require people who can go to work to
go to work, but don't ask them to give up their most important job, which is raising their kids.
And we started working with states from the day I got there on moving people from
welfare to work. The Republicans said when they got a majority in Congress they wanted to pass
a welfare reform bill. I said, fine, we'll work with you on it. They passed two bills that I vetoed.
Why? Because they were more than happy to be tough in cutting people off of welfare, but they
did not want to give them the tools they needed to get in the work force and they were willing to
hurt their kids by taking away the guarantee of food and medical care.
So I vetoed those two bills; they put the guarantees of food and medical care back in,
gave me some money for job-training and child care -- we're off to the races. The result?
Welfare roles have dropped by 3 million people. And it's working, it's working.
What I want you to understand is there's a direct connection between you being here at
this lunch and that happening. And I thank you for it. We are changing the nature of politics in
this country.
We had a big reaction to a lot of what we did in '93 and '94 and the benefits of it weren't
apparent. The Republicans won the Congress in '94. The American people got to see what they
wanted to do in '95 and '96. We beat back the Contract on America. It didn't happen by
accident, it was a lot of hard, disciplined work, putting our message out against their message.
And it's a good thing for the country that we did.
What we celebrated today at that wetlands project was people who want to grow the
economy and people who want to preserve the environment working together to do something at
the grass-roots level. That's how we ought to be doing this. Their idea on the environment was it
was a nice thing if you could get it, but it was really an irritant that shouldn't get in the way of
people going about their daily lives.
I think that's wrong. I think we have proved conclusively. You have cleaner air today,
cleaner water, more toxic waste dumps cleaned up, a safer food supply, all through major
initiatives of this administration, and a stronger economy. We have got to do it in the right way.
We don't want to do things that are stupid. We don't want to shoot ourselves in the foot, but we
know we have got to preserve public health and the environment and grow the economy. That is
the policy of our party. And we are determined to do it and we are making progress on it and
your presence here today contributes to the triumph of that idea. And you should be proud of
that and you should talk about it and you should help us to refine it.
I don't mean there aren't tough decisions out there. This climate change issue, for
example, is a very difficult, challenging issue that will occupy us for the rest of my term in
office. But I know that the technology, the know-how, the creativity is out there in the American
people to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and grow the economy. We've already done it in two
other areas -- you know these chlorofluoro carbons and CFCs that were in all the spray cans --
they said, oh, they'll do terrible damage to the economy if we get rid of them. Well, we got rid of
them and the American economy is doing just fine. They say we do terrible damage to the
economy if we took sulfur dioxide out of the atmosphere. We found a pro-business, market-
oriented way to do it; we're getting it out of the atmosphere at less than half the cost I was told it
would cost and we're doing just fine.
And we'll solve this problem and we'll do just fine if we'll all work together and realize
that we cannot be forced into a position where somebody says, if you want to save the
environment you have to taint the economy, or if you want a good economy you just have to turn
your back on the environment. That is wrong. And it's one of two big choices that I think we
can't afford to make.
The other one, and the last issue I want to emphasize domestically, is the choice that I
alluded to earlier -- welfare. That's the choice between work and family. When I signed the
family leave law a lot of people said you're going to hurt a lot of small businesses -- even though
we exempted people with under 50 employees. For five years we've had a record
number of new small businesses formed in every single year. It is a good thing to allow people
who go to work every day not to have to worry themselves sick about their children at home or at
school. It is a decent thing to do that.
I will say again, every society's most important job is raising healthy, good, strong
children with good values. There is no more important work. More than half of the children in
this country under the age of one have mothers in the work force. And since I have had a wife, a
mother, and a grandmother in the work force -- as long as I have been alive, that is what I have
known -- I do not think that is a bad thing. But I think it is a very bad thing when people who are
working are worried sick about their children.
And so as we look ahead to the future, our party has to find a way to provide more
affordable child care. Our party has to find a way to provide health insurance for these children -
- all of them -- we're going to cover half of them with this balanced budget this year -- all these
children who live in families where their parents are working in lower-income jobs and they can't
afford health insurance. Our party has to find a way to help the American people balance the
demands of raising their kids and going to work every day. And if we have the same approach
that we've had for the last five years, we can do that as well.
Lastly, let me just say very briefly, because I think you can understand that I don't want
to talk about this in any detail, we've got all kinds of other challenges. We've got to make sure
that Medicare and Social Security are there for the baby-boom generation and for their children
and their children's children. And we have to do it in a way that doesn't -- where people my age,
of the baby boom generation, don't ask the smaller generation of our children to bankrupt
themselves and not take care of their kids to preserve these institutions. We can do all that.
We also, though, have to have a framework in our mind for what it means for America to
be secure in the 21st century. National security during the Cold War was pretty straightforward.
We wanted to keep a big strong military and plenty of nuclear weapons, and we wanted to have a
system that existed between ourselves and the Soviet Union so that either side thought that if
they launched nuclear weapons the other side would be destroyed, so no one would ever do it.
And then we'd fight around the edges in various places around the world, to try to keep them
from getting much of a toehold.
With the decline of the Cold War, with the Russians becoming our partners and our
soldiers standing side by side in Bosnia, we now know that national security has to be defined
somewhat in different terms. To be sure, there's a lot of problems still with nuclear weapons.
We're doing our best to continue to work with the Russians to get rid of more and more nuclear
weapons and actually destroy them and make sure that the nuclear materials don't fall into the
wrong hands. And we've gotten a wonderful amount of support around the world for a
comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty.
We're working hard to deal with the after effects of these civil wars, the worst of which
is land mines. And while I do not agree with all the terms of the Ottawa Convention on land
mines, it is encouraging that over 100 nations are willing to say that they will never build, buy or
use any kind of land mines. The United States has destroyed a million and a half such mines;
we're going to destroy another million and a half while I'm President. And this year we'll spend
slightly more than half the money spent in the entire world to go get those land mines out of the
ground so kids don't walk on them and blow their lives away in the years ahead. This is a good
thing.
But the most likely problems there are a couple little babies in this audience, or there
were today, and some children -- the most likely problems these children will face when they
come of age will be problems that cross national borders -- terrorism, organized crime and drug
running, the spread of weapons of mass destruction, chemical and biological weapons and maybe
small-scale nuclear weapons.
This much nuclear cake put in a bomb would do ten times as much damage as the
Oklahoma City bomb did.
The spread of environmental problems or diseases across national lines -- we are going
to have to, in other words, find ways to cooperate, to keep the organized forces of destruction
that are taking advantage of the Internet, the technological revolution, the freedom of travel and
the freedom of movement, access to computers and moving money around and all that -- there
will always be organized forces of destruction.
That is fundamentally what is at stake in the stand off we're having in Iraq today. I don't
want you to look at this backward through the prism of the Gulf War and think it's a replay. I
want you to look at it forward and think about it in terms of the innocent Japanese people that
died in the subway when the saran gas was released; and how important it is for every
responsible government in the world to do everything that can possibly be done not to let big
stores of chemical or biological weapons fall into the wrong hands, not to let irresponsible people
develop the capacity to put them in warheads on missiles or put them in briefcases that could be
exploded in small rooms.
And I say this not to frighten you. The world will always have challenges. I think the
chances are quite good that we can organize ourselves for this challenge and deal with it very
effectively. I personally believe that the next 50 years will be far more peaceful and less
dangerous for our children and our grandchildren than the last 50 years were. I also believe they
will be the most prosperous and interesting time in all of human history -- but only if we do the
right things.
And so I say again to you, this is an exciting time to be alive. There have only been
maybe four periods like this in American history over our 220-year history, where we are really
being called upon to rethink what we want of our government, rethink what we want of our
nation, meet a whole set of new challenges and, in effect, recreate the American Dream. It can
only happen once every generation, sometimes once every two or three generations. You are
living in that kind of America.
In that kind of time, political participation is more important; the integrity and validity
and strength of your ideas are more important; and your passionate willingness to stand up and
defend what you believe in is more important.
So I thank you for being here today because I believe that what you are doing is helping
to build an America that your children and your grandchildren will be very proud of and will
thank you for.
Thank you very much.
END
2:39 P.M. PST
PAGE
21
30TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1997 McClatchy Newspapers, Inc.
Sacramento Bee
November 18, 1997, METRO FINAL
SECTION: EDITORIALS; Pg. B6
LENGTH: 449 words
HEADLINE: FAZIO RETIRES
BODY:
In politics as in the rest of life, it often takes losing someone or
something to understand what a good thing you had. So it will be with Vic
Fazio's retirement from the House of Representatives. Politics being politics,
his announcement that he won't seek re-election next year will draw huzzahs as
well as regrets today. But come two years from now, we suspect much of this
region will be wondering how one member of Congress could have made so much
difference.
In an era of political show horses, Fazio has been a workhorse for Northern
California. Any damn fool can run for Congress on a platform of bumper-sticker
ideas and cast his vote by the party line, and many of them do. Fazio was
different. For 20 years, he has not just cast votes; he has represented this
region and this state in the fullest sense of that word.
For two decades, Fazio has been at the center of all the day-to-day federal
issues that matter to the area. Every November in even-numbered years, many
Sacramento Valley growers would cast their vote for a Republican; then every
odd-numbered year they would go to work with Fazio on water and federal farm
programs and even obscure issues such as red dye No. 2 in the cherries in fruit
cocktail. They went to him even if he wasn't their representative because Fazio
was someone who could do more than talk a good line he could make the wheels
of Congress turn for them, time and again.
And they weren't alone. On issues from flood control to McClellan Air Force
Base, Fazio has been the person to go to, the representative who would listen to
all sides, who would put the power he patiently and shrewdly accumulated to the
service of his constituents and his state.
He's also put the same energy, intelligence and patience at the service of
the House itself. For years, he did the work that no other member of the House
wanted to do -- on ethics, including the downfall of former Speaker Jim Wright,
and on member pay and franking privileges. It was hard and controversial work,
for which the main rewards were brickbats thrown by cheap populists who rarely
gave a second of thought to what was important to the health of the nation's
most important legislative body.
That kind of work doesn't get honored very much any more. It's not the stuff
of talk shows or electronic bulletin boards or TV news. But it's what the best
members of Congress do for their communities and their country. And it's
essential to making Congress an effective institution. When Fazio is no longer
working for Sacramento and Northern California and the health of the House, even
a lot of people who may be cheering today will come to understand what they've
lost.
Thank you all for coming together to honor Vic Fazio, a great man who has devoted his
life to public service. During his 20-year tenure in Congress, Vic has been a principled
legislator, who always knew when to fight for a bill and when to compromise. His approach to
legislation combined integrity and tenacity, and earned Vic respect from Democrats and
Republicans alike.
Vic committed himself to preparing his district and his country for the challenges of the
future. On the environment, Vic has led the way in securing federal funds to restore the ecology
of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. On the economy, Vic fought to expand opportunities for
American businesses abroad, while protecting the needs American workers at home. On health
care, Vic introduced a bill to raise the funding for breast cancer research which I signed last year.
On the issues that matter to Californians -- on the issues important to average Americans -- Vic
always has led the way.
Vic spent 20 years in Washington, but he has never forgotten where he came from.
Serving the needs of the people of his district was always took precedence over party politics and
personal ambition. Vic's service as a leader, as a visionary, in Congress will be sorely missed.
But, I am sure that in any project Vic undertakes in the future, he will meet with as much success
as he has in the past. Hillary and I wish Vic, Judy and the whole Fazio family the best of luck in
the future.
PAGE
23
31ST STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1997 McClatchy Newspapers, Inc.
Sacramento Bee
November 18, 1997, METRO FINAL
SECTION: EDITORIALS; Pg. B7
LENGTH: 963 words
HEADLINE: FAZIO WORRIED NOT ABOUT LOSING, BUT ABOUT WINNING AGAIN
BYLINE: John Jacobs
BODY:
ON THE EVE of announcing that he would retire from Congress after 20 years in
office next year, U.S. Rep. Vic Fazio walked into Sacramento's Rubicon brew pub
and quipped, "This is an appropriate place to meet. I'm about to cross it."
Indeed he is. Fazio is one of the most respected leaders in the House and one
of the most powerful and effective representatives the Sacramento region has
ever sent to Congress. But for intensely personal reasons, the 56-year-old
Democrat said during a candid, two-hour interview, he will leave with great
regret but also with great relief.
Despite his enthusiasm for the job, its constant demands finally became too
much, he said. He has no job lined up, but said he's not worried. He could
expect any number of top offers from the Clinton administration or elsewhere.
"I'm caught between a district that takes a great deal of time and effort and
money to be re-elected," Fazio said, "and a leadership position in the House
that also takes a great deal of time and effort. I have no time left for my wife
or daughter or granddaughter or me."
Fazio added that he has "tremendous appreciation" for the chance to serve all
these years starting when he was first elected to the Assembly from Sacramento
in 1975 and re-elected to his 10th term to the House last year with a 13 percent
victory margin in a district that leans Republican.
A longtime member of the Appropriations Committee, Fazio has served on its
subcommittees on water, energy and agriculture, becoming an important broker
forging deals and compromises between what he calls "resource extractors" and
"resource protectors."
"You don't leave something easily that has been SO much a part of you, he
said, pausing to control his emotions. "It has been a good 20 years. I came so
far I could reach out and touch leadership. But not only do you have no personal
time, you are constantly flat-out running everywhere all the time, in your
district and in Washington.
"It's not just your future. It's your party's future. It brooks no
compromise. It's what Newt Gingrich did to get there. It's what (Minority
Leader) Dick Gephardt does. I had to make a choice
My fear wasn't losing.
My fear was winning. How on Earth do I keep all these balls in the air?"
PAGE
24
Sacramento Bee, November 18, 1997
Fazio said he knew his decision was right when he attended a memorial service
for Rep. Walter Capps, who died of a heart attack recently while just in his
first term. Capps' 26-year-old daughter, who works at the White House, gave a
memorial speech for her father. " couldn't help but think of my daughter, Fazio
said. One daughter, Dana, is also 26. Another, Anne, died of leukemia two years
ago. She would have been 24 and her death still haunts her father, who could not
spend as much time with his children as he would have liked.
"You don't know how much time you have, he said. "You've got to focus on the
family. I owe it to my wife to spend more time with her and with Dana
I
could call into question my role as a parent and husband. I won't say I flunked.
But I wouldn't get high grades. These are the choices we make."
Fazio said his decision means that he's "finally conceding" the 1991
reapportionment of his district, which changed a relatively safe seat into an
intensely competitive one that few Democrats but Fazio could carry. At the time
the new district was announced, "Judy and I sat down and had a cry about it
because we knew what it (the new district) would do to our personal life, Fazio
said. "But you don't walk away from a fight, and I won three tough races"
against H.L. Richardson in 1992 and Tim Lefever in 1994 and again in 1996.
Had the Democrats retaken control of the House last year, Gephardt would have
become speaker and Fazio would have challenged and perhaps defeated Democratic
Whip David Bonior to become majority leader and eventually speaker. That's what
he meant by "touching leadership." Few politicians ever come that close.
But Fazio also said that neither party can expect to keep control of the
House for any length of time "for at least the next 10 years or more. Nor was
he convinced the next reapportionment after the 2000 census would make his new
district any easier for him. "So it's a constant battle, he said. "I'm looking
at another decade of this. If I were 10 years younger, I'd probably do it again.
I've proven I can do it. The question is why. I love it. I will miss it
terribly.
For months, Fazio's name has been floated as a possible White House chief of
staff once Erskine Bowles leaves. Fazio did not want to comment about his
prospects, other than to say that's not why he's resigning. Such a job would be
at least as intense as what he's doing now, but it would not involve travel to
his district and, in his words, would be "finite."
Clinton may be reluctant to choose Fazio for the powerful post, believing
Fazio could help Clinton far more with balky colleagues where he is as chairman
of the House Democratic Caucus. But if Fazio is leaving the House anyway, he
could provide the bridge that former congressman-turned- White House Chief of
Staff Leon Panetta provided. Clinton has deep problems with angry Democrats, who
overwhelmingly rejected his "fast-track" trade bill and who believe he is out of
touch with their concerns.
Whatever his future, Fazio has been an extraordinary representative for the
Sacramento region and for California. Summing up his conflicting emotions, he
said, "I didn't want to leave early, but I can't stay any longer."
McClatchy Newspapers political editor John Jacobs' column appears in The Bee
on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. He can be reached by phone at 321-1914; by fax
at 321-1996; by letter at Box 15779, Sacramento, CA 95852-0779; or by e-mail
APR-08-98 WED 15:56
P.01
SACRAMENTO METRO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
FAX COVER SHEET
SACRAMENTO
917 Seventh Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
CHAMBER
DATE:
APRIL 8, 1998
916.552--6800 Phone
916.443-2672 FAX
LAURA CAPPS
www.metrpchgmber.org
TO:
[email protected]
AWF
COMPANY: WHITE HOUSE SPEECHWRITING
FAX NO.
202/456-5709
PHONE:
FROM:
STEPHANIE M'GANN
PHONE: 916-552-6808, EXT. 138
Urgent, please deliver immediately
NO. OF PAGES
Hardcopy to follow
INCLUDING COVER:
Reply requested
H1, LAURA-
THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE!
APR-08-98 WED 15:56
P. 02
SACRAMENTO
METRO CHAMBER
Facsimile
Sacramento Metro Chamber
917 Seventh Street
Tel. (916) 552-6800
8 April 1998
TO:
Laura Capps, Speech Writer
Office of the White House
FM:
Bill Mueller, Vice President
Government Relations
Ru
RE:
Rep. Vic Fazio Highlights
One of the most powerful and influential lawmakers in the House of
Representatives yet fiercely dedicated to the people and issues of his district;
Capable of effectively representing the polar ends of a sprawling Central Valley
district, from the progressive university-town of Davis to the rural,
conservative areas to the north;
Known to the business community for his unwavering commitment to the
protection and prosperous future of McClellan Air Force Base, a critical
economic asset to Sacramento's future; his dedication to improving the level of
flood protection for the City during his many years of service; and his ability to
thoughtfully resolve constituent problems.
For background purposes, we are calling this dinner, "A Sacramento Tribute to
The Honorable Vic Fazio" and it is being hosted by the Sacramento Metropolitan
Chamber of Commerce as part of a annual lobbying trip to Washington, D.C.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Sacramento, California)
For Immediate Release
November 15, 1997
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
TO BUILDERS AND SUPPORTERS OF
THE YOLO BASIN WETLANDS
Yolo Basin Wetlands
Davis, California
11:45 A.M. PST
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. You can't imagine how much I wanted to
get out of cold, wet, rainy, windy Washington, D.C. to come to California. But, after all, this is a
wetlands event.
I want to, first of all, thank Sara for her introduction. Didn't she speak well? She was
terrific I thought. And listening to her account of the experiences the last several years of her life
I think was as good a statement as any as could be made about so many of you who are here and
the work you have done to make this day come to pass. I want to thank all of you very much.
I'd like to say a special word of appreciation to your Secretary of Natural Resources
Dough Wheeler, and two people who came from Washington with me, our Deputy Secretary of
Agriculture Rich Rominger, who is from Yolo County. And he's already been mentioned, but
our Deputy Secretary of the Interior, John Garamendi, who grew up not far from here. And
they've both done a terrific job for you right there.
I thank John Walker for his statement. We were dedicating a wetland in Arkansas
once, a few years ago, on a much warmer day. And I was the governor and he was the president,
but after all, I'm term-limited and he can go on forever.
I'm very glad to be here with all of you. I want to thank Robin and Greg for showing
me around the area and giving me a chance to look at some of the birds and just see what you've
done here. I asked him how many ducks and geese there were going to be here and whether you
had any eagles or ospreys or egrets, and I got a pretty good rundown on it.
And I have to say that I have been, as you have heard already, a big supporter of these
kinds of endeavors. I thank the people from the California Water Fowl Association, and I do
want to say a special word of thanks to two groups with which have been associated -- first, the
folks from the Corps of Engineers. They have not only changed their image, they've changed
their reality. They're working hard not only to give us water projects, but to give us the kind of
environmental conservation that we need for the long run. And I thank you very much, Colonel,
and I thank all the people from the Corps for what you've done.
And let me just echo what was said earlier. I'm very proud of my very long association
with Ducks Unlimited. They've done a wonderful job in helping us to bring water fowl back to
our state and they do a great job in this country.
Finally, I'd like to say a word of appreciation to Vic Fazio, who is clearly one of the most
outstanding members of the United States Congress in either party. If we had a hundred more
people like him, America would have no problem. He is a very good man.
I want to thank Vic not only for his work here, but for the general efforts he's made,
along with Senator Boxer and Senator Feinstein and John Garamendi, for our efforts in the Bay
Delta area, and the work that we are doing to try to guarantee the long-term needs of California
for water supply, as well as water quality, habitat preservation and environmental progress. And
that's very, very good.
Let me say, I wanted to be here today because to me this project is the embodiment of
not only what we should be doing as Americans on the edge of a new century, but how we
should be doing it. We worked very hard to create a country where things were working for
ordinary Americans, where we were coming together across the lines that divide us and where
we can be strong enough to continue to lead the world in the right direction. And that bridge that
I talked about all the time I'm trying to build to the 21st century is going pretty well. We've got
the strongest economy in a generation, crime and welfare are dropping. And our water quality,
our air quality, our food safety, they're all improving. We are moving in the right direction.
One of the biggest challenges we will have to continue to face during the entire lifetime
of all the children that are here is the challenge of trying to grow our economy and lift our
standard of living while improving, not diminishing our environment. That is critical. A great
deal of the history of 20th century California is a story of this battle. And the truth is, for most of
the 20th century, not only in California but throughout America, whenever people thought about
this they either thought, I'm going to develop the economy, the environment will take care of
itself, or they felt for a long time, it's unfortunate that we have to give up so much of our
environment, but it's a necessary price we have to pay to continue to raise our living standards.
Now we know that is a false choice. And, indeed, we understand that over the long run
if we want to preserve our ability to increase our standard of living we have to preserve our
national environment and all the things that go with it.
Just for example, Greg Smith and I were talking about this project and how the more you
do these projects, the more you're going not only to have what you came here for today, but what
you cannot see -- you will lose less water in rain runoff, and you will over time rebuild the
aquifers that are below the land, that no one sees and most people don't think about. But that will
enable you to sustain your population and to sustain your economic activity.
So again I say, I wanted to come here today because this is a huge success. You're doing
the right thing and you're doing it in the right way. And that's the second point I want to make.
If we haven't learned anything in our country in the last few years, I hope we have learned we do
not get very far when we just stand off and shout at each other and fight and argue all the time.
But we can do anything if roll up or sleeves and get down to work and honestly listen to people
who have different experiences, different perspectives, and different genuine interests. That's
what you've done here. You've been able to bring everybody together, and I really feel good
about that.
Here we are in the shadow of Sacramento. We see the farmlands here, and I promise
you, when I crossed that levee today, I thought I was back home in eastern Arkansas, and I kept
waiting for somebody to give me my waders and a gun to go duck hunting.
What you have done today was based on the cooperation of state, federal, and local
governments, based on public --(inaudible.) That's how we ought to be dealing with all
America's problems. You can't name a single problem we've got in this country that we could
not make the kind of progress on we're celebrating today, if we didn't approach it the way you
have approached this.
And I would implore you to think about what you can do and what you can say to people
in this state, and your friends and family members and neighbors all around America, to take this
attitude and this approach, not only to our environmental problems, but to all others.
You've been working on this since the late '80s. You ought to be very proud of it. But
you ought to also draw confidence from this that there is no challenge facing this country that we
cannot meet if we will just do what you have done here.
I am so proud of you -- I know that you believe in it or you wouldn't be standing out here
in the cold and rain listening to me talk.
I've just got to make one other point that I think is very important to you here in
California. Three years ago we helped to launch the historic Cal-Fed partnership to try to end
the water wars and restore the environment and ensure clean and reliable water for generations to
come. I just signed legislation, as Vic Fazio said, that makes $85 million in down payments to
match funds that the California voters approved to restore their rivers and marshes in the valleys.
In two months the Cal-Fed program will recommend a blueprint for moving forward
with all of our partners in the way I said. We'll be working on habitat restoration, flood
protection, integrated from the beginning into all projects designed to meet the other needs of the
area. We're going to do it right.
And again I say I'm very grateful to Vic Fazio and to Senator Boxer, Senator Feinstein,
and of course, to John Garamendi for their work in this whole process.
And let me also say that -- I want to say a word of thanks to the Corps of Engineers and
others who have done all the work in rebuilding after last year's floods. Within the next few
weeks, the Corps will finish all remaining repairs. It's the most extensive flood reparation ever
done in this short of time, and another reason we should thank the Corps of Engineers for what
they've done here.
We're working hard across America on projects like this. We're making progress in
reclaiming Florida Everglades, in restoring Lake Tahoe, in saving Yellowstone. We have funds
in this latest bill, in our balanced budget plan, to continue this work. But I now can go around
the country and talk to other people about what you've done here and tell them you believe in it
so much you all showed up and stayed in the wind and the rain in Southern California.
Well, I've seen the wetlands here today, and some of you may have seen more than you
wanted to see. But I'll tell you what else I've seen -- I've seen a glimpse of America's future, and
I like it.
Thank you, and God bless you.
END
11:55 A.M. PST
SCHEDULE PROPOSAL (VIDEO)
5/19/98
ACCEPT
REGRET
98 MAR 19
PENDING
All
:
21
TO:
Stephanie Streett
Director of Scheduling
W
FROM:
Craig T. Smith
Assistant to the President and
Director of Political Affairs
REQUEST:
For the President to make a video for Congressman Vic Fazio (D-CA).
PURPOSE:
The Congressman is retiring.
DATE AND TIME: Monday, May 4, 1998
LOCATION:
White House
BRIEFING TIME: 5 minutes
DURATION:
5 minutes
RECOMMENDED BY: Craig T. Smith
CONTACT: Chris Lavery, 6-1125
ORIGIN OF THIS PROPOSAL: Harriet Derwingson and Eleni Tsakopoulos, Co-Chairs
Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce (Letter
attached).
NR
2/8
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 13, 1998
Ms. Harriet Derwingson
Ms. Eleni Tsakopoulos
Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
917 Seventh Street
Sacramento, California 95814
Dear Ms. Derwingson and Ms. Tsakopoulos:
Thank you for inviting the President to the dinner in honor of
Congressman Vic Fazio. The Administration is very appreciative of
Congressman Fazio's support and advice over his long and
distinguished career.
I am forwarding a copy of your letter to Ms. Stephanie Streett,
Director of the President's Office of Scheduling. I am certain that
she will do all that she can do to respond to your request.
Again, thank you for your letter.
w
V.C The and see b caflet w Refl
G
Sincerely,
Erskine B. Bowles
healr his go cald parent
Chief of Staff
with The Honorable Stephanie wis at Streett
but
can
Vice dr S the her is
folla
CHIEF OF STAFF TO THE PRESIDENT
of
Staging
Pr. Po the shorld
di Promots
CHAIRMAN
Bernord Bowler
SACRAMENTO METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
18M
1" VICE CHAIRMAN
Susan Peters
Seventh Street
McCuen Properties
2ND VICE CHAIRMAN
Sacramento, California 95814
Michael Profumo
Coopers & Lybrand LLP
PAST CHAIRMAN
916.552.6800 Phone
Harriel Derwingson
916.443.2672 FAX
Pacific Bell
VICE CHAIRS
MAR
Koren Diepenbrock
3 1998
www.metrochamber
The Diepenbrock Lcw Firm
[email protected]
Richard Fowler
USAA
February 23, 1998
Dr Brice Harris
Los Rios
Community College District
K-
Barbara LeVoke
Brozil/LeVoke
Michael Ziegler
Mr. Erskin Bowles
PRIDE Industries
LEGAL COUNSEL
Chief of Staff to the President
TY apprec.
Jeif Harris
Hunter Richey
Office of the Chief of Staff
Vic's support,
Di Benedetto & Brewer
TREASURER
The White House
Bob Kittredge
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
advia overyrs.
Price Walerhouse LLP
etc. - w/for
PRESIDENT & CEO
Russell J Hommer
Washington, D.C. 20500
to 55 POTUS Sch,
DIRECTORS
Cary Adams
Diepenbrock Wulff
RE:
Tribute Dinner for Congressman Vic Fazio
Plant & Hannegan
Michael Alcalay
Airtouch Cellular
Michael Applegate
Dear Mr. Bowles:
Applegate Droyage Co
John Baranek
The Herzog Company
Rick Benner
In tribute to retiring Congressman Vic Fazio of Sacramento, the Sacramento Metropolitan
Sacromento Kings
Max Besler
Chamber of Commerce will host a tribute dinner in Washington, D.C. on the evening of
Townsend Ramundo
Besler & Usher
Monday, May:4 to honor Mr. Fazio's 20 years of service to Sacramento and the nation.
Robert M Brown
The Sacramento Bee
Dr. James Castle
USCS International
We would be extremely honored if the President could join us to recognize Mr. Fazio.
Nelson Chan
Borton. Petrini & Conron
Leon Davidson
The Idea Mon
This dinner is part of an extensive visit to Washington we conduct each year that includes
Ron Ellis
Inland Business Systems
more than 200 leaders from business and government from our region. In addition to our
Jesus Fernandez, Jr
Femandez Barrogan & Associates
delegation, invitations are being extended to Members of the House and Senate, the
B.J. Floro
B , Flora Associates
Administration, and the Pentagon. Approximately 500 guests are expected.
Pot Fry
Surter Health
Tom Hobday
UCD Medical Center
The Fazio Tribute Dinner is slated for Monday, May 4th, at the Mayflower Hotel from
Al Howard
KXTV. 10
5:30 to 9:00 p.m., with the program beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Jeff Koewler
Downey Brand
Seymour & Rohwer LLP
Sarah Krevans
Thank you for your consideration. We will be calling you this week by phone to follow-up
Kaiser Permanente
Jean Cloude Lachkar
on this request.
Nordstrom
Diane D. Miller
Wilcax Bertoux & Miller
Roger Nordby
Sincerely,
Packard Bell NEC
Walter Payne
Blue Diamond Growers
Rick Randoll
Rentech Computer Rentals
Harrit Dewinger
Michael Reinking
Intel Corporation
El 5J Eleni Tsakopoulos
Lisa Oliver Rose
Harriet Derwingson
Rose Investigations
Gary Spohr
Co-Chair, Fazio Tribute Dinner
Co-Chair, Fazio Tribute Dinner
The Copy House
Eleni Isakopoulos
AKT Development
Michael Teel
cc:
Mr. John Padesta
Roley and 3ei Ar
Williom Van der Me.
Ms. Dorris Matsui
The Von der Mei Low Firm
EX OFFICIO DIRECTORS
Dr. Donald R. Gerth
& Trade Center Secramento
Len McCondliss
erging Technologies institute
Carlos Ramirez
Sacramento Hispanic Chamber
Gerold Takehoro
Asian-Pacitic Chamber
Mai. Gen. Eugene L. Tattini
McC'ellon.4F6
Jim Whillock
SACTO
Clarence Williams
Socramento Black Chamber
SERVING THE SACRAMENTO REGION FOR OVER 100 YEARS
PAGE
2
3RD STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1997 McClatchy Newspapers, Inc.
Sacramento Bee
November 19, 1997, METRO FINAL
SECTION: MAIN NEWS; Pg. A1
LENGTH: 957 words
HEADLINE: LOSS OF FAZIO, DELLUMS TO LEAVE VOID FOR STATE
BYLINE: Herbert A. Sample, Bee Washington Bureau
DATELINE: WASHINGTON
BODY:
The retirements of veteran Reps. Vic Fazio and Ronald Dellums will leave
large holes in California's ability to influence matters on Capitol Hill,
lobbyists, lawmakers and other observers said Tuesday.
Fazio, a fixture in Northern California politics and statewide issues for
more than 20 years, will be especially missed on matters relating to water,
agriculture, flood protection and McClellan Air Force Base.
The West Sacramento Democrat, considered a moderate voice in an increasingly
liberal House Democratic caucus, also helped push President Clinton's priorities
in Congress.
Dellums, who has represented the Berkeley and Oakland areas for 14 terms, was
not a political mover-and-shaker within the California Democratic delegation.
But his was a passionately progressive voice, particularly on defense matters.
"Maybe in a way it's shedding skin and growing some new skin," said David
Vienna, a longtime Washington lobbyist who handles many California issues. "But
these guys were in their prime, it seems to me
They were senior guys and
it's hard to lose them.'
Rep. David Dreier, R-San Dimas, vice chairman of the powerful House Rules
Committee, also voiced sadness with his colleagues' decisions. But other
lawmakers from the state will step up to fill the void, he said.
"They will clearly be missed. But one thing I've learned about the United
States Congress is when people choose to retire, life goes on," Dreier said. "I
would not argue that we will have this tremendous loss of clout."
Fazio on Monday announced his decision not to seek re-election next year, 22
years after he won his first campaign for elected office, to the state Assembly
from Yolo County. He previously had been a legislative aide and co-founder of
California Journal magazine.
Soon after he won the congressional seat in late 1978, he was appointed to
the House Appropriations Committee, through which hundreds of billions of
dollars in federal spending flow each year.
PAGE
3
Sacramento Bee, November 19, 1997
Fazio quickly became adept not only at directing some of the money toward his
district and California in general, but also at using his position to increase
his influence with other members in both parties.
Last year, he won a three-year authorization for federal funding of a
difficult compromise to restore the recology of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
This year, as ranking Democrat on the energy and water appropriations
subcommittee, he shepherded the first actual payment of $ 85 million through a
skeptical Congress.
"Getting new (spending) out of Congress is very difficult to do," said
Stephen Hall, executive director of the Association of California Water
Agencies, which represents 430 water agencies in the state.
"Vic Fazio, through his skill as a deal maker and a negotiator, made it
happen," he said. "We're sure going to miss him."
Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Redlands, an appropriations subcommittee chairman whose
friendship with Fazio dates back to their days in the state Legislature, said
they often worked together to win passage of projects throughout the state.
"Within the committee, it will not be a simple matter to find a replacement
in terms of California issues, Lewis said.
"I'm an unhappy camper," said John Garamendi, deputy secretary of the
interior. "On environmental issues, (Fazio) would just make sure they got done. "
The third-ranking House Democrat, Fazio did have defeats along the way.
In recent weeks, Congress passed legislation he considered harmful to the
administration's plan to privatize McClellan. And he was unable to help Clinton
garner enough Democrats to pass "fast-track" trade legislation, which the
House's top two Democrats -- Richard Gephardt of Missouri and David Bonior of
Michigan vigorously opposed.
In fact, with Gephardt gearing up to challenge Vice President Al Gore for
their party's presidential nomination in 2000, and Bonior opposed to several
administration priorities, Fazio had become the president's go-to person on
Capitol Hill.
"Fazio has been one guy, not the only one, but the most significant bridge"
between the White House and factions of House Democrats, said Norman Ornstein,
resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute.
It will be difficult for Clinton to tap someone else with the same respect
and credibility Fazio enjoys. If the congressman does not become White House
chief of staff -- a post in which he has expressed interest Ornstein said the
president could name Fazio as a senior counselor whose portfolio would include
congressional relations.
Dellums was less the inside player than Fazio, but he was no less respected.
A fiery anti-Vietnam War liberal when first elected, Dellums said Monday he
quickly learned his passions could be channeled in better ways.
PAGE
4
Sacramento Bee, November 19, 1997
Nearly every year, he produced a rival military budget that steered money to
domestic programs. The document was usually politely ignored, but perhaps his
sweetest victory came just a few weeks ago when he and like-minded lawmakers
from both parties teamed up to halt funding for additional B-2 bombers.
Through the years, he rose through the Democratic ranks on the House National
Security Committee to become chairman in 1993 - - the first African American to
do so. His reign was considered one of the fairest of all those who held the
post.
"He gained the respect of many in the defense community for his ability to
bring people together and discuss matters in a congenial and productive
environment, even matters on which he had a strong ideological stand," said Tim
Ransdell, head of the Washington-based California Institute.
Dellums' resignation becomes official on Feb. 6, and a special election will
be held soon after to fill the seat.
GRAPHIC: Vic Fazio
Ronald Dellums
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
LOAD-DATE: November 20, 1997
PAGE
9
21ST STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1997 American Political Network, Inc.
The Hotline
November 18, 1997
SECTION: HOUSE REPORT
LENGTH: 729 words
HEADLINE: CALIFORNIA 03: NOT IN THE VIC OF TIME
BODY:
Rep. Vic Fazio (D), the third ranking Dem in the House,
announced 11/17 that he will not seek reelection in '98. Coupled
with Rep. Ron Dellums' (D-09) 11/17 resignation announcement and
the "developments mark a profound shift" in No. CA's
representation in DC and "led many to speculate that Democrats do
not expect to regain control of the House anytime soon. " Fazio
"is the most active" CA Dem in House leadership circles "and was
thought to be a potential candidate someday for speaker. Facing
a tough re-election and the end of his term" as chair of the
House Dem Caucus, "Fazio said he wants to devote more time to his
family. Republicans said the departures "are a sign" of the Dem
Party's weakness. NRCC Chair John Linder faxed a statement to
reporters headlined: "Last Democrat out of the House please turn
out the lights. Fazio's seat is "far more conservative" than
Dellums' and it is "quite possible his seat will be captured" by
the GOP. Fazio's decision was "lamented" by Dem leaders such as
Minority Leader Dick Gephardt (Sandalow, San Francisco Chronicle,
11/18).
Many fear that "losing Fazio
will further diminish" CA's
clout in DC. Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-14) "It's a big loss. I always
think of Vic as Mr. California." As "troubling" to Dems is that
Fazio's CD is considered "ripe for a Republican." Assembly
member Barbara Alby (R) "wasted little time in declaring
for
the seat, within hours of Fazio's announcement" (Ostrom, San Jose
Mercury News, 11/18).
NATIONAL TAKES
NRCC pol. dir. Ed Brookover: "The fact that the No. 3
Democrat and the would-be chairman of the (National Security)
Committee would retire is a sign the Democrats know they're not
going to take control." DCCC spokesperson Dan Sallick countered:
"There's no way you can look at a map of the country and look at
the fact that we have only 11 seats to pick up to win the
majority and not think there's a very good possibility of doing
just that" (Washington Times, 11/18). Wall Street Journal's
Rogers writes, "the twin departures
underscore the struggle
facing (Dems) as the party tries to win back the chamber it
dominated for decades" (11/18).
SO WHAT'S NEXT FOR FAZIO
San Jose Mercury News' Ostrom writes, speculation swirled"
that Fazio is under consideration to become Pres. Clinton's next
CoS. Ex-WH CoS Leon Panetta: "I think Vic's name is on the list.
I'm not sure the president has gotten around to thinking about
it." Fazio did not deny reports that he had spoken with Clinton
PAGE
10
(c) 1997 The Hotline, November 18, 1997
about the CoS post during Clinton's recent visit to Sacramento.
Fazio on 11/17: "I wouldn't want to rule anything in or anything
out, but it's all speculation right now" (11/18). Fazio said he
would be interested in the CoS job and would leave office early
to take it but "would have to see upon what basis (Clinton) would
want me to have it" (Green, Sacramento Bee, 11/18).
BACK TO THIS RACE
One of Alby's "first tasks will be to move." She currently
lives in Folsom which is not part of the CD. Another potential
GOPer, Charles Schaupp, "was prohibited from formally entering
the race" 11/17 because he's a reserve Marine officer on active
duty. He plans to make a formal announcement within the next six
weeks. '96 GOP nominee Tom LeFever said he has not ruled out
another run, "but is worried about the impact a campaign might
have on his young family." State Sen. Maurice Johannessen (R)
had been mentioned as a possible candidate, but has backed away.
No Dems "immediately came forth." Fazio said a "moderate" Dem,
perhaps one from local gov't or the nonprofit sector "might be
the party's best chance at retaining the seat." But he had no
immediate suggestions for a candidate. Several Dems being
mentioned in "inner circles" as possibilities took themselves out
of contention when contacted after Fazio's announcement. Ex-
Assembly member Phil Isenberg (D) said he is not running for
anything; a spokesperson for Sacramento Mayor Joe Serna Jr. (D)
said he would not run. Sacramento Co. Supv. Roger Dickinson (D)
would not ruule out a bid, "but said he had not given it much
thought" (Capps, Sacramento Bee, 11/18).
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
LOAD-DATE: November 18, 1997
PAGE
27
8TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Content and programming copyright 1997 Cable News Network
Transcribed under license by Federal Document Clearing
House, Inc. Formatting copyright 1997 Federal Document
Clearing House, Inc. All rights reserved. No quotes from the
materials contained herein may be used in any media without
attribution to Cable News Network. This transcript may not
be copied or resold in any media.
CNN
SHOW: CNN INSIDE POLITICS 16:00 pm ET
November 26, 1997; Wednesday 4:04 pm Eastern Time
Transcript # 97112604V15
TYPE: INTERVIEW
SECTION: News; Domestic
LENGTH: 1040 words
HEADLINE: Vic Fazio Retires After 10 Terms
BYLINE: Judy Woodruff, Bernard Shaw
HIGHLIGHT:
Vic Fazio is retiring after 10 terms in the house, but he is reported to be a
contender for President Clinton's chief of staff.
BODY:
JUDY WOODRUFF, CNN ANCHOR: Now, to a California Democrat who is preparing to
end his public life or is he? Vic Fazio is retiring after 10 terms in the
house, but he is reported to be a contender for President Clinton's chief of
staff. My colleague, Bernard Shaw, talked to Fazio last week.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, LAST WEEK)
BERNARD SHAW, CNN HOST: Congressman Fazio, why are you giving up the roar of
the Greece paint and the smell of the crowd?
REPRESENTATIVE VIC FAZIO, (D) CALIFORNIA: Well Bernie, it's been 33 years of
a sprint since I left college. Politics and government has been my all
consuming passion and it's been one challenge after another. I came to the
conclusion that it was time to stop, take stock, see if I could get ahold of my
life, frankly. I saw no end to that kind of a lifestyle, if I remained in
Congress, having to win a competitive district, having an increasingly
challenging leadership role.
And so I did what I thought was right, and that is to say after 20 years in
the house I'm not going to re-up for another five to ten years. I wanted_to
really have more time with my wife, my children, my granddaughter, and lead a?
more I don't mean contemplative, but hopefully, a: low key kind of life
SHAW: Did losing the fast track battle on behalf of President Clinton looking
for trade authority form the question in your mind: Is this the last straw for
PAGE
28
CNN INSIDE POLITICS, November 26, 1997
me?
FAZIO: No. I mean, fast track is one of many battles I've been in with
lifferent friends, different coalitions In the years I've been in Congress, it
had absolutely no role in my thinking or decision. I hope, by the way, we can
get back to the issue of trade and find some common ground and pass something
significant with a much larger share of my party. But no, that would be
entirely wrong if anybody drew any conclusion from that.
SHAW: Is Dick Gephardt hurting the party and this president?
FAZIO: I don't believe so. I think this is time, however, for us to take
stock of where we're going in 1998, how we can better articulate a party
position that would include both the house and Senate leaders and the president,
because it's time to get off the areas where we may have some division and go on
to some positive themes in health care, education and the environment. And I
think we'll do that starting in January.
SHAW: Vic Fazio, your party needs to gain 11 seats in the house of
representatives if it's ever to gain control of the house.
FAZIO: Right.
SHAW: Fourteen Democrats are leaving.
FAZIO: Well
SHAW: The math does not add up.
FAZIO: I think you note, Bernie many of those Democrats are leaving those
seats that can be and will be won by other Democrats. There may be a few like
mine, that are going to be competitive. I don't rule out winning my seat.
After all, the president carried the district by a few hundred votes admittedly.
But still he carries anywhere, that Democrats can win.
SHAW: Well
FAZIO: So I would say this. We will have a very competitive election. I
think the odds of our taking back control of the house are at least 50/50.
SHAW: Well, the San Francisco chronicle says Republicans in your state think
now they can grab as many as seven seats! seven Congressional seats held by
Democrats.
FAZIO: That's absurd. We're going to pick up a seat next to me. We have a
strong state Senate candidate in Mike Thompson, who was running against Frank
Riggs. We're going to hold on to the cap seat. His wife Lois has just
announced, and I think we'll win that seat. I think that's absurd. I think
we're going to do more than hold our own in California. I think we'll make part
of the headway we need to pick up those 11 seats.
SHAW: Fifty-four electoral votes, state of California. What is this
Democratic exodus from Congress going to do to the party's presidential chances?
PAGE
29
CNN INSIDE POLITICS, November 26, 1997
FAZIO: Oh, I think we're doing very well in statewide races. I certainly
anticipate that we'll have a very good shot at taking the governor's race, and I
also think the president, whoever the Democratic nominee for president will be,
comes in with a kind of coalition that Bill Clinton put together. We hope to
maintain in the year 2000.
SHAW: You don't think Al Gore has a lock on the nomination?
FAZIO: I think he has a very strong opportunity to put a lock on it. He's in
the lead now -- to do very well in California.
SHAW: Two last quick questions. What did President Clinton say to you when
you talked to him about your resignation decision?
FAZIO: He told me that he knew it would be tough for me and wished me well in
my retirement.
SHAW: White House chief staff. Has he offered you the job? Would you accept
it?
FAZIO: Not at all. This is not something I'm leaving Congress to do. I hope
to have over the next year an opportunity to look at my options and to make some
decisions down the line, but I've had no conversations with anyone in the White
House about any job. That kind of life I hope to have over the next year will
let me be helpful to the administration in the Congress as chairman of the
Democratic caucus.
SHAW: If he says I need you as White House chief of staff, will you accept?
FAZIO: Well, you know, Bernie, all of this speculation really is
inappropriate. As I have indicated, no one has talked to me about it. I'm
focused on how I can help the administration by trying to bring together the
Democrats and
SHAW: You're not answering the question.
FAZIO:
caucus and the White House.
SHAW: You're not answering the question.
FAZIO: Well, Bernie, you're asking it in so many different ways I guess I
have answered it in the only way I can.
SHAW: Final question. What did Mrs. Fazio say when you said this is it?
FAZIO: Well, you know, I don't think she said hallelujah, but she sure gave
me a big hug and a kiss. I think she was clearly relieved we might have more of
a life, and I don't blame her for that. I share that.
SHAW: Congressman, thanks for joining us on INSIDE POLITICS.
FAZIO: You're welcome, thanks for having me.
PAGE 30
CNN INSIDE POLITICS, November 26, 1997
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WOODRUFF: Vic Fazio is about to conclude four years as chairman of the house
Democratic caucus.
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
LOAD-DATE: November 26, 1997
PAGE
11
22ND STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1997 Times Mirror Company
Los Angeles Times
November 18, 1997, Tuesday, Home Edition
SECTION: Part A; Page 3; Metro Desk
LENGTH: 1109 words
HEADLINE: DELLUMS, FAZIO TO RETIRE FROM CONGRESS;
POLITICS: DEPARTURE OF HIGH- RANKING DEMOCRATS THREATENS PARTY'S PLAN TO REGAIN
THE HOUSE. LOIS CAPPS WILL RUN FOR THE SEAT LEFT VACANT BY THE DEATH OF HER
HUSBAND, WALTER.
BYLINE: FAYE FIORE and JODI WILGOREN, TIMES STAFF WRITERS
DATELINE: WASHINGTON
BODY:
Two of California's longest-serving and most revered congressional
Democrats--Reps. Vic Fazio and Ronald V. Dellums--announced their impending
retirements Monday, further eroding California's clout in Congress and dampening
their party's hopes of recapturing the House next year.
Fazio of West Sacramento, third-ranking in the Democratic leadership, and
Dellums of Oakland, a former bell-bottomed antiwar radical, have during more
than two decades in Congress become powerful insiders with invaluable
connections for the state that will not be easily replaced.
"This is a huge loss for California," said Rep. Robert T. Matsui
(D-Sacramento) "It will take us years to recover from this. We're just going to
have to cope with it."
Their departures, along with the recent death of fellow Democratic Rep.
Walter Capps of Santa Barbara, mean that three California congressional seats
are now in play--two of them considered vulnerable to a GOP takeover.
Capps' widow, Lois, announced her candidacy for her husband's old seat
Monday, enhancing Democratic prospects for hanging on to the Central Coast
district against a divided Republican field.
Dellums is expected to leave Feb. 6 to take a job outside of government.
Fazio has been mentioned as a candidate to succeed White House Chief of Staff
Erskine Bowles. He has spent seven months denying that rumor, which one of his
aides says started at a cocktail party, but Capitol Hill sources insist that his
name is very much in the mix.
At a Sacramento news conference, the 55-year-old Fazio cited personal reasons
for his decision not to seek reelection next November, ending what will be a
20-year career in the House.
"I have come to a season in my life when I believe it is time to prioritize
what matters most to me: the need to put aside the relentless pace of
PAGE
12
Los Angeles Times, November 18, 1997
congressional service SO I can give more time to family life,' Fazio said.
Colleagues said he was profoundly affected by his daughter's death of
leukemia on New Year's Day. And last week at the funeral of Capps, who died last
month of a heart attack at 63, Fazio was struck that his colleague had a career
as a religious studies professor before coming to Congress, while all of Fazio's
professional life has been politics, an aide said.
"Vic and I talked about that months ago," said Matsui, also a career
legislator. "Being in Congress, dying in Congress, having seen nothing else is
not necessarily a whole life for somebody. II
Life in the House is something that must be renewed every two years and the
task was getting harder each time for Fazio, whose district was redrawn in 1990
with a Republican edge. Targeted by GOP leaders as a redwood they wanted felled,
he held on to his seat last time by 13 points, but only after raising $ 2
million to do it.
A moderate with excellent relations with Republicans, Fazio was seen as a key
to helping California hold its own in an often hostile congressional
environment. As a ranking member of his national party, he raised large amounts
of money and was a strategist in the grand plan to reclaim the House.
His increasing national presence gave him what was considered a solid chance
of eventually replacing House Minority Leader Richard A. Gephardt (D-Mo.)
Although Fazio's announcement came as a surprise, political insiders had been
expecting Dellums would soon end his nearly 30-year career. Citing "a personal
decision" that will allow him "to do other things, Dellums leaves as the
fourth-longest-serving African American.
A product of the anti-Vietnam War movement and a staunch liberal, Dellums
spent much of his early career working against military spending. He rose to
become chairman of the committee handling most military affairs and emerged as
an unlikely consensus-builder on a panel of hawks. It was a position of great
influence, but he remained ever the radical, once shunning his Oval Office
access to be arrested with other demonstrators outside the White House gates in
protest of U.S. policy toward Haiti.
The Republicans' congressional campaign committee celebrated the news of both
resignations with a press release headlined: "Last Democrat Out of the House
Please Turn Out the Lights." "
"Senior Democrats are having a going-out-of-business sale,' Rep. John Linder
(R-Ga.) the committee chairman, chortled in a statement. "As leaders in their
party, Congressmen Fazio and Dellums were expected to help Democrats try to
recapture the House. Their departure shows they concur with political consultant
Dick Morris' recent statement : 'The 1998 races will be a disaster for the
Democratic Party. "
PAGE
13
Los Angeles Times, November 18, 1997
Dellums' district is a slam-dunk for the Democrats, but Fazio's has long been
borderline, like Capps's Santa Barbara seat. Political observers on both coasts
expect those two races to be among the nation's hardest-fought, along with that
for an open seat created by last week's resignation of Rep. Paul McHale (D-Pa.).
"These developments will make the House exponentially more difficult for
Democrats to pick up," said independent analyst Charles Cook. "You've got a
string of three setbacks for Democrats. It just makes the incline that much
steeper.
II
Fellow analyst Stuart Rothenberg agreed the resignations "hurt the overall
momentum" for Democrats. On a brighter note for the party, Capps' widow will
apparently have the field to herself on the Central Coast, where Republicans are
bracing for a bruising three-way primary fight that could undermine their hopes
of reclaiming a seat that had been held by the GOP since World War II.
In the 10 months her husband served before his fatal heart attack, "I saw the
kind of trust that he had established" with voters of the 22nd Congressional
District, Lois Capps said in an interview Monday. "That needs to be continued."
A Santa Barbara resident for more than 30 years, Capps, 59, worked as a
school nurse and played an integral part in her husband's two congressional
campaigns, both his losing effort in 1994 and his successful 1996 race.
During the latter contest, Walter Capps was nearly killed in a car crash and
his wife acted as campaign surrogate during the many months it took him to
recover. After his election, Lois Capps remained heavily involved in his work on
Capitol Hill.
Republicans contenders for the seat are state Assemblymen Brooks Firestone of
Los Olivos and Tom J. Bordonaro Jr. of Paso Robles, and former Santa Barbara
County Supervisor Mike Stokes.
A special election is scheduled for Jan. 13, with a March runoff to follow,
if necessary.
Times political writer Mark Z. Barabak contributed to this story from San
Francisco.
GRAPHIC: PHOTO: Rep. Ronald V. Dellums (D-Oakland), who went to Congress as an
antiwar protester, gestures to supporters after announcing his retirement.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Associated Press PHOTO: Rep. Vic Fazio gets a hug after
announcement. PHOTOGRAPHER: Associated Press
LANGUAGE: English
LOAD-DATE: January 29, 1998
PAGE
14
23RD STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1997 The New York Times Company
The New York Times
November 18, 1997, Tuesday, Late Edition - Final
SECTION: Section A; Page 19; Column 1; National Desk
LENGTH: 480 words
HEADLINE: Two California Representatives to Leave House
BYLINE: By LIZETTE ALVAREZ
DATELINE: WASHINGTON, Nov. 17
BODY:
Two stalwart California Democrats, Representatives Vic Fazio and Ronald V.
Dellums, announced their retirement from the House of Representatives today
after decades of lawmaking on Capitol Hill.
A third Democrat, Representative Paul McHale of Pennsylvania, will also
retire from the House at the end of this term, bringing the number of vacated
seats now in Democratic hands to 15. Seven of those seats, including Mr.
McHale's and Mr. Fazio's, are expected to touch off close matches between
Republicans and Democrats in next year's election.
Echoing a common lament among overworked lawmakers in Congress, all three
Democrats said they decided to retire to devote more time to their families.
Mr. Fazio and Mr. McHale will serve out their terms. Mr. Dellums will leave
Congress on Feb. 6.
"It is time to put ambition and politics aside," said Mr. Fazio, who was
elected to the House in 1978 and now, as chairman of his party's caucus, is the
third-ranking Democratic leader in the House. "I have come to the season in my
life when I believe it is time to prioritize what matters most to me: the need
to put aside the relentless pace of Congressional service SO I can give more
time to family life."
Mr. Fazio, 56, has recently taken on the task of bringing together the
liberal and moderate wings of his caucus in the House and finding common ground
with Republicans.
During President Clinton's unsuccessful push for expanded trade authority,
Mr. Fazio spearheaded the effort to win support for the initiative among House
Democrats.
"He is a Democrat who tries to build bridges to Republicans," said
Representative Richard A. Gephardt of Missouri, the minority leader, who fought
Mr. Fazio on trade. Mr. Gephardt said he admired Mr. Fazio's heart-wrenching
decision to spend more time with his family. "He serves with honor and integrity
every day that he is here."
Mr. Dellums, 61, said today that his 27 years on Capitol Hill had taken a
toll on his family life.
PAGE 15
The New York Times, November 18, 1997
"Now I choose to make a personal decision and to empower myself to regain my
life, " Mr. Dellums said at an emotional news conference in his Oakland district.
The senior Democrat on the House National Security Committee, Mr. Dellums is
best known for his fight to impose sanctions on South Africa during apartheid
and his blistering opposition to defense spending. He is also respected for his
sense of collegiality and decorum.
Mr. McHale is the most junior of the three at 47 and in only his third term.
But he began his career 18 years ago in local politics in Pennsylvania. He, too,
said today it was time to stop giving his family life short shrift, a decision
crystallized for him by his 7-year-old son.
"He said, 'Daddy, you've been away almost my whole life, " said Mr. McHale,
who made his announcement that he would return to Bethlehem last week. "That
caught my attention. "
GRAPHIC: Photos: Representatives Ronald V. Dellums, left, and Vic Fazio, both
Democrats of California, whose retirements will leave 15 of their party's seats
in Congress vacant. (Photographs by Associated Press)
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
LOAD-DATE: November 18, 1997
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7
15TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1997 Southeastern Newspapers Corporation
The Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN)
November 18, 1997, TUESDAY, FINAL EDITION
SECTION: NEWS, Pg. A2
LENGTH: 366 words
HEADLINE: RANKING HOUSE DEMOCRATS FAZIO AND DELLUMS TO RETIRE
BYLINE: The Washington Post
DATELINE: WASHINGTON
BODY:
Two senior House Democrats announced Monday they were ending their
congressional careers next year, joining a growing number of ranking Democrats
who have chosen to leave the House even as the party seeks to regain control of
the chamber.
Rep. Ron Dellums, the House National Security Committee's top Democrat, said
he would resign Feb. 6, midway through his 14th House term. Rep. Vic Fazio,
chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, who had signaled his intent to try to
move up in his party's leadership, said he would not seek re-election to an 11th
term next year.
The announcements by Dellums and Fazio, both of California, brought to 14 the
number of House Democrats leaving Congress, with only four to seek other
offices.
Analysts rate six of those seats being vacated by Democratic lawmakers -
including Fazio's - as ones Republicans could win next fall now that incumbents
will not be defending them, complicating Democratic hopes of picking up the 11
seats they need to reclaim control of the House.
Republicans jumped on the twin announcements to taunt Democrats about a
''going-out-of-business sale'' in advance of the 1998 elections. ''Ron Dellums
would not be resigning if he thought he'd be chairman of the National Security
Committee in 1999, said Rep. John Linder (R-Ga.), chairman of the Republican
campaign committee. 'And Vic Fazio would not be calling it quits if he weren't
at risk of an embarrassing defeat next November.
Republicans hold a 228-203 majority in the House, with one independent and
three vacancies. Thus far, eight GOP lawmakers have announced plans to retire
from the House.
Fazio, who has been widely mentioned as a possible successor to Erskine
Bowles as White House chief of staff, said he would leave Congress to spend more
time with his family. His congressional career ''has forced me to choose between
my passion for public service and my family far too often, he said.
Redistricting after the 1990 census radically changed Fazio's Sacramento-
area district, resulting in a series of close races. Last year, he improved his
percentage of the vote to 54 percent after winning 50 percent in 1994 and 51
PAGE 8
The Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN), November 18, 1997
percent in 1992.
NOTES:
Different version, First A2
GRAPHIC: photo (2);
Ron Dellums;
CAPTION: Vic Fazio
LOAD-DATE: November 19, 1997
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The Associated Press
The materials in the AP file were compiled by The Associated Press. These
materials may not be republished without the express written consent of The
Associated Press.
November 18, 1997, Tuesday, PM cycle
SECTION: Political News
LENGTH: 557 words
HEADLINE: Two veteran California Democrats leaving Congress
BYLINE: By MARK EVANS, Associated Press Writer
DATELINE: OAKLAND, Calif.
BODY:
Two veteran California congressmen chose the same day to announce their
retirement plans, bringing to 14 the number of Democratic departures in advance
of next fall's elections.
Reps. Ron Dellums and Vic Fazio cited personal reasons in their farewell
announcements Monday.
Dellums, 62, a one-time anti-Vietnam War radical who became the Democrats'
point man on the National Security Committee, said he would resign his seat
effective Feb. 6.
"I said if I'm going to go, I need to go now while I have my health, I have
my faculties, and say to the community, 'It's been an incredible ride, but it's
time to go and pass the baton, said Dellums.
Fazio, who rose to become third-ranking member of the Democratic leadership,
said he would leave Congress at the end of the term. The 55-year-old chairman of
the House Democratic Caucus made his announcement about 80 miles east in
Woodland, Calif.
"While serving has been the experience of a lifetime, I have come to the
season in my life when I believe it is time to prioritize what matters most to
me - the need to put aside the relentless pace of congressional service so I can
give more time to family life, he said.
Democratic Party officials anticipated additional departures before the next
fall's election.
Several of the vacancies involve districts that figure to be hotly
competitive at a time when the party wants to devote its resources to targeting
GOP seats rather than defending its own.
Democratic spokesman Dan Sallick said only six of the 14 are likely to be at
risk next year, far fewer than was the case at this point in the last campaign.
PAGE
6
The Associated Press, November 18, 1997
Thus far, eight GOP lawmakers have announced plans to retire from the House.
But Republicans jumped on Fazio's and Dellums' retirements to taunt Democrats
about a "going-out-of-business sale" in advance of the 1998 elections.
"Ron Dellums would not be resigning if he thought he'd be chairman of the
National Security Committee in 1999,' said Rep. John Linder, R-Ga., chairman of
the Republican campaign committee. "And Vic Fazio would not be calling it quits
if he weren't at risk of an embarrassing defeat next November."
Republicans hold a 228-203 majority in the House, with one independent and
three vacancies.
Fazio has played an insider's role in Congress, using his seat on the
Appropriations Committee to help his district as well as tending to the needs of
his colleagues in Congress.
Ineligible to succeed himself in his leadership position, he has been
mentioned as a potential rival to higher-ranking Democrats, or as a potential
replacement for outgoing White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles.
Most recently, Fazio was a leader of a small group of Democrats backing the
trade legislation that President Clinton tried unsuccessfully to muscle through
the House.
The announcement by Dellums signals the end of a career spent in liberal
Democratic politics, arguing for less military spending and more money for
social programs.
Dellums was an outspoken critic of the political and economic establishment
when he was elected to the Berkeley City Council in 1967. Three years later, he
ousted an incumbent Democratic congressman.
He rose through seniority to become chairman of the House Armed Services
Committee in 1993. He lost his chairmanship after one term when Republicans
gained a majority.
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
LOAD-DATE: November 18, 1997