To: AllPolitics
From: Jill Dougherty/CNN
In: Lansing, Mich.
Posted: 3-6-97

Subject: Clinton Acknowledges Frenzy Over Donations

White House Press Secretary Mike says President Clinton "is well aware of the fact we're in a feeding frenzy" over political contributions to the Democrats but feels "you just have to endure it." Mike McCurry says the president "is not furious, frustrated, upset" but "is pretty used to this environment because he's been in it for much of the last four years."

McCurry says Clinton expects that it "not be a common practice" for political donations to be accepted at the White House.

McCurry said, however, it is foreseen in federal law and regulations that political contributions can be "handled" and sent to the proper destination.

McCurry said the president would hope White House employees would follow procedures that are approved by the White House legal counsel and legally there is a distinction between "handling" a political contribution and receiving one. He said "there are good reasons why at the White House you can direct or route any information that you get to the proper destination."

McCurry said the president "would expect that it not be a common practice" for the White House to be a conduit for checks to the DNC.