Clinton to Name Economic Team

CNN's Wolf Blitzer reported Pres. Clinton "would like to make more" Cabinet announcements "this week" ("IP," 12/9). Incoming CoS Erskine Bowles has said Clinton would probably name his economic team (which includes the National Economic Council chair and Secs. of Labor, Commerce and Treasury, among others) all at once, as he did the Nat'l Security Team.

One admin. official said Clinton was still considering a GOP exec. for Commerce (including Silicon Valley's John Young and Edward McKracken) in order to "blunt" GOP arguments that the dept. should be abolished. However, the "current speculation runs in favor" of Rep. Bill Richardson (D- NM), who is "also a candidate" to succeed Sec/State-designate Madeleine Albright at the UN (Scales, BOSTON GLOBE, 12/10). CNN's Blitzer reported WH aides say Richardson "is still very much on Mr. Clinton's list" for the UN or Commerce ("IP," 12/9).

LABOR: Blitzer reported Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) "is said to be promoting" ex-Sen. Harris Wofford (D-PA), "though many women and African-American activists are pushing for" Alexis Herman ("IP," 12/9). CNN's Arena called Wofford "a likely top contender" ("Moneyline," 12/9). AFL-CIO Pres. John Sweeney is also pushing for Wofford. Clinton "hasn't talked to Wofford yet and one insider puts his chances at '50-50.'" The Wofford- Kennedy "connection" goes back to JFK, "under whom Wofford was a co-founder of the Peace Corps" (PHILA. DAILY NEWS, 12/10).

TREASURY: CNN's Arena: "The budget, Medicare, trade -- all important challenges facing the administration. All require a strong economic team. Experts say the key will be the return of Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin. ... Rubin is likely to spearhead administration budget policy" ("Moneyline," 12/9).

TRANSPORTATION: CNN's Blitzer noted WH aides say Bill Daley "seems well on his way" to being nominated ("IP," 12/9).

CIA: An admin. official said that outgoing CIA dir. John Deutch, "passed over" for Defense Sec., plans to quit in the next week or two and turn over his dutues to his top deputy, George Tenet (PHILA. INQUIRER, 12/10).