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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2002

Former senator Slade Gorton, the Washington Republican who was defeated in the 2000 election by a Democrat with heavy tribal backing, has been named to a presidential commission on the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Incoming Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Mississippi) nominated Gorton as one of his two choices to the panel. Former secretary of state Henry Kissinger will chair the 10-member commission.

Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) and Richard C. Shelby (R-Alabama) have veto authority over one of Lott's choices. It was not reported whether McCain would opposes Gorton's nomination but The Washington Post reported that he and Shelby favor a different person.

Gorton was targeted for defeat in the 2000 election by tribal leaders and environmentalists. He lost by a slim margin to Maria Cantwell, a Democrat.

Subsequently, Republicans in the Senate urged President Bush to nominate Gorton for a federal judgeship. McCain was the only one to oppose the suggestion. He said he opposes Gorton's anti-tribal sovereignty views.

Gorton works for the law firm of Preston, Gates & Ellis.

Get the Story:
WASHINGTON IN BRIEF: Lott Names Gorton To Panel on 9/11 (The Washington Post 12/11)
Ex-Senator Is Named to 9/11 Commission (The New York Times 12/11)
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Gorton named to Sept. 11 panel (AP 12/10)

Relevant Links:
Preston, Gates & Ellis - http://www.prestongates.com

Related Stories:
Tribe challenged by own law firm (05/07)
Gorton takes job with law firm (4/12)
Campbell has role in other judgeships (3/02)
Action urged on Gorton judgeship (2/23)
Campbell's support of Gorton raises questions (2/16)
McCain opposes Gorton judgeship (2/15)