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JANUARY 25, 2001

Critics of Attorney General nominee on Wednesday questioned his stance on gay issues as a former ambassador and a man who sought employment with Ashcroft when he was Governor of Missouri appeared to contradict his testimony before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.

Hormel said Ashcroft voted against his confirmation as ambassador to Luxemborg because of his sexual orientation. Ashcroft in testimony denied the allegation.

Paul Offner in 1985 applied for a job to head Missouri's social services department. He said Ashcroft asked him about his sexual orientation and indicated he would not be hired if he were gay.

Ashcroft in testimony said sexual orientation would never plays a role in people whom he might hire should he head the Department of Justice.

A committee vote on Ashcroft has been delayed at least until next week while Senators consider written responses to their questions.

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