Gore Adds Political Aides

By Wolf Blitzer/CNN

WASHINGTON (Dec. 4) -- Vice President Al Gore, already gearing up for a likely run for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination in 2000, is beefing up his political operation, with one eye on politically critical California. CNN has learned that he has tapped Larry Haas to become his new communications director, succeeding Lorraine Voles who has gone into the private public relations business. Until now, Haas has been the press secretary at the Office of Management and Budget under both Franklin Raines and Alice Rivlin.

Gore is also bringing two other political operatives aboard: Monica Maples, who has worked for retiring California Rep. Vic Fazio, and Pat Ewing, who has also worked in California politics for some time.

Winning California, of course, is seen as critical for any Democratic presidential candidate.

And sources say the vice president, like President Bill Clinton when he was running for the White House, will spend a great deal of his time in California as he prepares for a possible race.

More staff changes are expected in the coming weeks and months as Gore focuses on his future, especially as House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt continues to emerge as a likely rival for the nomination.

In Other News:

Thursday Dec. 4, 1997

• White House Takes Jab At Freeh
• Arlington Controversy Stirs Again
• Race Relations Panel Far Behind Schedule
• Issue Ads Loophole Expected To Expand In 1998
• Reno Defends Independent Counsel Decision
• Former Clinton Fund-Raiser Indicted In Bribery Case
• DNC's Money Woes Crimp Clintons' Holiday Style
• Gore Adds Political Aides

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