The American Spectator

Washington Prowler

(Page 2 of 2)

br> If their debate in South Carolina last Saturday was any indication, the Democratic presidential nine is listing heavily to the left, pulling normally moderate Democrats like Sen. Joe Lieberman down with them. So it should come as no surprise that the Democratic Leadership Council is holding a top secret session next week in Washington to discuss how best to push its candidates toward the middle. /p>

A key lecture will be presented by former president Bill Clinton, but perhaps the biggest stars at the show will be Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh and Virginia Gov. Mark Warner, who is quickly becoming the DLC's newest poster boy.

Warner, who has begun a very public campaign for the vice-presidential nomination, is expected to speak to the press next Thursday or Friday about this private DLC seminar. "The fact that Warner is so visibly involved should tell people that [DLC founder and CEO Al] From has moved the DLC past Clinton and is developing new talent," says a DLC staffer.

p> GROUNDED br> In the wake of a recent speaking engagement, rumors persist that Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta will be retiring shortly. /p>

In late April he appeared at a Washington conference and spoke from a wheelchair. Word of the event did not spread because it was closed to the press. For months Mineta has been spending time at Walter Reed Army Medical Center for a chronic back problem that has required surgery at least twice.

"The poor guy is in good shape, he just can't stand for very long," says a Department of Transportation staffer, who added that Mineta has been undergoing rehab and that the rehab has been going well. "He does walk around."

topics:
Transportation, NATO