Bush begins transition, but White House stays on sidelines

As George W. Bush launched his presidential transition Monday, the White House said it wouldn't release funds for the effort. But President Clinton ordered agencies to begin preparing to help whoever is declared President when the legal battle over the election finally ends.

The Clinton administration will continue to prepare for the transition without providing specific information, materials or funds to either candidate, White House Press Secretary Jake Siewert said in a news briefing.

Siewert said that the "substantial" amount of legal activity was a sign there was no clear winner and that the administration by statute cannot provide assistance to one of the candidates, although he did not rule out at some point beginning to offer resources to both Gore and Bush.

Siewert indicated administration officials would be willing to meet with Bush aides on transition matters, but only to give an "overall view" of where the process is going.

On Monday Clinton issued an executive order creating a transition coordination council that will serve as a liaison to both Republicans and Democrats.

"We're going to do everything we can to proceed on a parallel track and make sure that the eventual winner has the information that he needs to conduct their business," said Siewert.

President Clinton was scheduled to meet with his Cabinet Monday afternoon to emphasize the need for agencies to prepare for the transition. White House Chief of Staff John Podesta sent a memo to the heads of Cabinet agencies last week asking that they set up transition offices, prepare briefing materials for the incoming administration's team and designate an official to deal with transition issues.

The Bush camp expressed disappointment that the General Services Administration has refused to distribute transition funds and open office space in Washington until pending legal battles over the 2000 election are resolved.

"This is regrettable, as the government has an obligation to honor the results of a certified election," said Bush running mate Dick Cheney, who was named to head the Bush transition team. Cheney said the Bush team would move ahead with its transition efforts, using funds raised privately.

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss., said he would encourage Senate chairmen to begin hearings on "President-elect Bush's cabinet appointees" Jan. 4.

"Given the protracted contest to determine the presidential victor, it is critical that we move expeditiously and be prepared to confirm the new cabinet on Jan. 20," Lott said.