WASHINGTON -- Contrary to the widespread belief that Kenneth Starr has abandoned his investigation of the Whitewater affair, sources close to the independent counsel predict he will include in his impeachment report to Congress at least peripheral mention of Bill Clinton's participation in the Arkansas land transaction.

     The Starr report will be geared to President Clinton's conduct in the Monica Lewinsky case, but prosecutors also may allege that he lied about his role in Whitewater. When that is linked to Clinton's admitted deception about Lewinsky, these sources say, the case for impeachment will be strengthened.

     A footnote: There is a remote possibility of new indictments in the Whitewater investigation. Although the Little Rock grand jury on the land deal was dismissed months ago, another Whitewater grand jury remains available in Washington.

DELAY'S NON-DELAY

     House Speaker Newt Gingrich's inner circle was unhappy about House Majority Whip Tom DeLay's call for President Clinton's resignation Tuesday, violating Gingrich's advice that Republicans keep quiet about the Monica Lewinsky scandal.

     Several GOP presidential hopefuls were quick to demand that the president quit after he confessed his relationship with Lewinsky. But the outspoken DeLay was the only member of the party's congressional leadership to join the Clinton-must-go chorus.

     A footnote: Some Gingrich operatives have been irked that DeLay has grown closer to social conservatives critical of the speaker and to junior Republican House members who sought to oust Gingrich last year. The speaker's men cite Rep. Dennis Hastert of Illinois, a chief deputy whip, as somebody who gets the job done without attracting attention and who ought to replace DeLay.

BANKERS FOR CAROL

     Banking lobbyists in Washington are promising funds for the re-election campaign in Illinois of Democratic Sen. Carol Moseley-Braun, one of the year's top Republican targets.

     Although Moseley-Braun's voting record since her election in 1992 gives her very high liberal and very low conservative ratings, she gets an A-plus from the banking industry. As a Senate Banking Committee member, she has been helpful in pushing legislation desired by the banks but not included in ideological rating systems for senators.

     The banking industry has nothing against Moseley-Braun's Republican opponent, State Sen. Peter Fitzgerald, but is not raising funds for him. The lobbyists claim that multimillionaire Fitzgerald can write a million-dollar check for his own campaign whenever he needs it.

D.C.'S POWER COUPLE

     Two influential members of Congress who are retiring this year -- Democratic Rep. Vic Fazio of California and Republican Rep. Bill Paxon of New York -- dined recently at the 701 Restaurant on Pennsylvania Ave. to talk about forming a lobbying partnership.

     At one time, Fazio, House Democratic Caucus chairman, was considered a possibility to be the party's floor leader. Paxon resigned from the GOP leadership after joining the unsuccessful 1997 effort to topple Speaker Newt Gingrich but was still favored to be the next speaker. However, both Fazio and Paxon retired, looking for the million-dollar-plus annual paychecks received by congressmen-turned-lobbyists.

     Fazio and Paxon are prohibited by law from lobbying the federal government for the first year after they leave Congress, but such restrictions will not keep them from the big bucks. They can advise clients without violating the law.

SUNUNU JR.

     Although Republicans are making only a token effort to defeat Democratic Gov. Jeanne Shaheen for re-election in New Hampshire this year, GOP leaders have their eyes on the party's rising star to replace her in 2000: Rep. John E. Sununu.

     The 33-year-old Sununu is described by state party leaders as combining the intellect of his brainy but irascible father, ex-Gov. John H. Sununu, with the personality of his charming mother, ex-Republican State Chairman Nancy Sununu. New Hampshire Republicans regard the younger Sununu as a dream candidate but worry that he enjoys Congress so much, he may not want to come back to Concord.

     The elder Sununu, who was President George Bush's chief of staff, is working hard for former Vice President Dan Quayle as the next presidential nominee. But if his son runs for governor in 2000, that campaign will be the father's priority for the year.

Originally Published on August 22, 1998