Clinton Administration Dismisses Gingrich Claim Of Campaign Finance Coverup
By John King/CNN
WASHINGTON (April 29) -- The Clinton Administration Wednesday dismissed House Speaker Newt Gingrich's claims of a White House-directed coverup of campaign finance abuses, attributing the speaker's recent harsh criticism of the president as an attempt to play to the Republican conservative base.
White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry said the administration
ultimately has to do business with the Georgia Republican.
"He's the guy who runs the House. We're going to have to do business with
him sooner or later when he comes back to his senses," McCurry said.
Gingrich told reporters House Republicans will continue to pursue their investigation into the alleged campaign fund-raising violations by the president's 1996 re-election campaign.
"This is about law-breaking. This is not about sex. This is not about gossip. This is not about soap operas," Gingrich said.
The sharp exchanges this week represent an escalation of partisan rhetoric, with Republican leaders and the White House clashing over many issues including tobacco legislation, child care, abortion restrictions and education.
White House aides were anxiously awaiting a meeting Wednesday afternoon with Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott to see if he echoes the speaker's tough talk or offers a more bipartisan tone.
"Today we find out if the era of bipartisanship is over," said one senior aide.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Gingrich,