"because he wants to run as a centrist, while reminding the liberal Democratic core of his connection to their issues. Feinstein could help with that." Democratic courses say Feinstein — a fiery campaigner — could help Gore address one of his biggest problems: his comically dull campaign style. Her leadership in the push for tougher gun laws — she is the author of the 1994 ban on certain assault weapons — would play well in liberal circles. z 0 0 0 0 0. David Airman 199 * The proposed law would exclude settlement payments received by sur- vivors and their families from the income tax. That would include money from claims against foreign governments or private corporations -- including banks. An earlier law mandated that Holocaust-era settle- ment payments be disregarded in determining eligibility for needs-based federal programs. The proposal to free reparations from income tax requirements was tacked on to a bill passed last year. Unfortunately, it was the Republican-sponsored tax cut mea- sure — which was summarily vetoed by President Bill Clinton. In the Senate, the measure is being promoted by Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY), Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-NY), Sen. Spencer Abraham (R-Mich.) and Sen. Peter Fitzgerald (R-I11.)On the House side, lawmakers are looking at two separate bills by Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Rep. David McIntosh (R-IN). Tapper's is proud to be one of a limited number of selected retailers to represent the Thoroughbred Watch Collection'm by renowned designer David Yurman DON'T MISS TAPPER'S Jewish Veep? Is the nation ready for a Jewish woman as vice-president? Some Democratic politicos say yes; they're actively promoting Sen. Dianne Feinstein for the job as Vice President Al Gore's running mate. A recent Wall Street Journal poll suggested Feinstein is a top choice among party members behind former Sen. Bill Bradley — who is given almost no chance of getting the nod from the mane he aggressively chal- lenged in the Democratic primaries. Feinstein would add some impor- tant qualities to the ticket, Democratic source say, but she also brings some liabilities. According to the Almanac of American Politics, Feinstein was con- sidered for the number two slot on the Democratic ticket in 1984, but was passed over — in favor of Geraldine Ferraro — because of "qualms" about the business dealings of her husband. Feinstein is generally regarded as a liberal, but not a reflexive one. Would she help or hinder the tick- et? The answer's are not clear, said Johns Hopkins University political scientist Benjamin Ginsberg. "If she could deliver California, that would be a plus," he said. "Being a woman wouldn't exactly hurt." Ginsberg said it's likely Gore will seek a running more liberal than he is INTERNATIONAL WATCH SHOW Diane Feinstein But Feinstein will have some stiff competition for the job. Democratic insiders are betting on Energy Secretary Bill Richardson, who would be the first Hispanic nominee — a big potential plus for the party. Also reportedly at the top of Gore's list: Sen. Evan Bayh, an Indiana polit- ical wunderkind. And don't forget Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.), the choice of many Democrats who worry that Gore will be tainted by the scan- dals of the Clinton administration. Will the choice of a vice presiden- tial nominee seriously affect Gore's chances — with voters in general, and Jewish voters in particular? Don't hold your breath, Ginsberg counsels. "The academic studies all show that the vice-presidential choice makes almost no difference, except possibly to lock up a single important state," he said. As for Feinstein boosting the Jewish vote, he said "Gore has a lock on it no matter who he chooses. And there's nobody Bush could pick who would significant improve his chances with Jewish voters." ❑ SATURDAY, MAY 20, 10 A.M. TO 5:45 P.M. SEE THE LATEST INNOVATIONS FROM 19 OF THE WORLD'S FINEST WATCH MANUFACTURERS AND MEET THEIR REPRESENTATIVES. ri D IAM ONDS & F INE JEWELRY Orchard Lake Road at Maple Road . West Bloomfield, MI 48322 248-932-7700 . 800-337-GIFT 1111•11 ■ NM 411111 ■ MIL.= A , *WI OW 11 IN ea mr—ua mow Now/ /1161111111111A1/MIll AI EFFECTIVE AND DEPENDABLE PROTECTION SINCE 1931 Featuring "PERIMETER PLUS" Program Exterior Non-Intrusive. On-Call Pest Prevention. TM of Dow AGRO Sciences Enjoy your deck and the rest of the outdoors this Summer with one or more of Eradico's programs MOSQUITO CONTROL • EXTERIOR TREATMENTS FOUR SEASONS PEST PREVENTION We accept VISA & MasterCard. Members of Michigan & National Pest Control Assoc. ERADICO PEST CONTROL CALL TOLL FREE 888-479-5900 5/12 2000 33