Fight over Leavitt fizzles in the Senate

Clinton said the White House gave her written assurance Monday that it will work with her toward solving concerns about the quality of indoor air in New York City in areas hit with possibly toxic dust after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

With that, she said was not opposing a confirmation vote on Leavitt, and said, "I have a high regard for him. I have known him and his wife, Jackie, for years. . . . He listened very carefully and was quite sympathetic. . . . I did believe he was open to the arguments I was making."

Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., mentioned in debate that he had just spoken with Leavitt by phone. He said he was impressed with him for listening about concerns over cleaning toxic waste in his state but still worried that Leavitt will be hobbled by administration policies he cannot control.

'New ground'

However, Bennett told senators during 3 1/2 hours of debate on cloture Monday that Leavitt will not settle for "business as usual" at the EPA — and even declined the nomination at first until he was promised by President Bush that he can try to be innovative there.

Bennett recalled talking to Leavitt after he first declined the nomination. "He said, 'They were looking for business as usual at the EPA. . . I told them if you're thinking about doing something else and breaking some new ground, then come back and call me. But if all you want to do is what you've been doing, I don't have any interest.' "

Bennett said Bush liked that and called back himself — and offered the job he says Leavitt is now excited to take.

"He's excited about it. He's determined to view it as a challenge. He's determined to view it as an opportunity. And he's determined to go at it with the same vigor and same enthusiasm that he went after his . . . assignment as governor of Utah," Bennett told the Senate.

Two-month wait

The moves Monday came 55 days after Bush formally nominated Leavitt. He faced numerous delays, including a two-week setback when Democrats boycotted the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to prevent a quorum needed for a vote there.

However, Sen. Jim Jeffords, I-Vt., ranking minority member on that committee, urged senators Monday to confirm Leavitt now.

"I am supporting his confirmation because we need a leader at the agency," he said. "I am hopeful that Gov. Leavitt can make an improvement in White House environmental policies."

Some Democrats still were not won over. Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., said Leavitt's environmental record in Utah "doesn't give me any hope that he will stand up to the White House," so he will oppose him.