Democrats Gather To Talk Strategy

Caucus doesn't dwell on Clinton's troubles during a Virginia retreat

By Ann Curley/CNN

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, Feb. 10) -- The leader of the House Democratic Caucus says Democratic House members did not dwell on President Bill Clinton's legal problems or the situation with Iraq during a two-day retreat to Wintergreen, Va.

Clinton and Vice President Al Gore met with the Democrats on Tuesday afternoon.

"We didn't dwell on the things I know have driven most of your news interest in the last couple of weeks," said Rep. Vic Fazio (D-Calif.). "We are focusing on our job, he is focusing on his, and I think together we are getting it done for the American people, and I think the polls reflect that."

The session at a ski lodge was closed to reporters, but officials said Clinton repeated his proposal that Congress use anticipated budget surpluses to shore up Social Security's finances.

Clinton did not mention the Lewinsky controversy in his remarks to the lawmakers, officials said.

On the topic of brewing troubles with Iraq, Fazio said, "We had some opportunity to talk about that, but it was not a major focus at this retreat. I think it's fair to say we hope there will be bipartisan support for the effort the president may be forced to make, should these diplomatic efforts fail to reach the conclusion we all want them to."

He added, "I think we're letting events play out in that area and hoping for the best."

Fazio said Democrats focused on issues that the president touched on in his State of the Union address, including the projected budget surpluses, Social Security reform, smaller classes in the early elementary grades, a consumer's bill of rights for people who belong to health maintenance organizations, a minimum wage increase and tax relief.

Rep. Martin Frost, chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and Fazio both deflected questions about whether Democratic members are concerned the president's problems may affect Democrats' chances in this fall's midterm elections. In his remarks, Gore focused on the need for unity and recapturing a majority in the House.

About 125 Democratic House members, along with wives and children attended the retreat. Fazio said the event gave them the opportunity to discuss issues and get to know one another without the distractions of daily life in the Capitol.

Tuesday February 10, 1998

• Lewinsky's Mother Appears Before Grand Jury
• Thompson's Panel Produces Dueling Draft Reports
• White House Scandal At A Glance
• Democrats Gather To Talk Strategy
• GOP Disagreements Delay Campaign Finance Report
• Lewinsky Controversy Has Some Conservative Groups Seeing Green
• Tipper Gore To Lead U.S. Olympic Delegation
• Satcher Confirmed As Surgeon General
• Clinton Hails Support Of Canada, Australia In Iraq Confrontation