Olympia Snowe : Deputy Whip
Olympia Snowe : Deputy Whip
U.S. House Representative Olympia Snowe (R-ME) speaking to the press: "... hopefully I could influence decision-making process and also developing policies that, I think are important for the Republican Party to support. So, I couldn't see myself refusing this opportunity and responsibility to provide a different point of view and different dimension. And finally, I also didn't ever say that I would forfeit my independence. That wasn't a "quid-pro-quo" in accepting this position, nor did Trent ask me, nor did he want me too. I think the final analysis is that Trent included me in this organization, because he wanted precisely that, my point of view, that in fact may be in variance with the administration and with the Republican Party. It'll make it a healthier party; certainly conflict does, because it allows us to modify and re-construct our positions where it requires it". House Representative Trent Lott (R-MS) seated between Rep. Snowe and Rep. Tom Loeffler (R-TX) slides microphone over to himself and states: "I might add, that I don't give up my independence either. I still have my constituency in my state that I represent and there may be occasions where I just cannot take the line of the party or the administration. Not very often, and not very often in the last two years, but there may be occasions where I'll need to turn over my own responsibilities to Olympia, who perhaps will be more supportive of the administration position than I will be. But, I can assure you from my past experience with her, she is still a very strong and independent voice that we need".
House Representative Trent Lott Taking Questions
U.S. House Representative Trent Lott (R-MS) seated at table with Rep. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Rep. Tom Loeffler (R-TX) answers questions from the press. Rep. Lott: "Well, it will still be one of things that Tom Loeffler works on, and frankly, that I work on. And yes, the fact is Phil Gramm still has some very close friends on that side of the aisle, and I'm sure that he won't have to be told to go work with them. He'll be doing it all along. They have an unofficial leadership group. I think that leadership will basically continue very quietly, but I think he can be very effective still on that side of the aisle. But, where he can be most effective is using his knowledge of the budget and the budget process to try to advance his views, and what, I think, will be our views, generally speaking, on the budget. He's one of the most intelligent members we have when it comes to the budget process, and we're looking forward to taking advantage of that knowledge, which will blend in quite well with the other members on the budget committee: Del Latta (R-OH), Bill Frenzel (R-MN), Jack Kemp (R-NY), Bud Shuster (R-PA). It'll be quite a group on the Republican side of the aisle." Adult male reporter (off-camera) asks question and Sen. Lott responds: "I'm sure there will be be occasions when we're in strategy sessions when we're talking about substance or talking about purely strategy, that he'll be included, because we make a real effort on our Republican side of the aisle to include as many members as we can. In fact, in our budget efforts last year, we couldn't hardly all get 'em in one room. We had about 26 people in there. I'm sure there will be times where I will suggest that maybe he talk to some of his friends over there. I daresay Tom and I have just about as many friends as he has, not to belittle him, but a lot of our friends that are in that group are from our region, and they are our friends. It'll just depend, but I'm sure he'll be included in our effort. Any other questions? Thank you very much for coming."
Republicans Socializing in Rep. Lott's Office
U.S. House Representatives Tom Loeffler (R-TX), Trent Lott (R-MS) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) stand up from table and engage in general conversation with other adult Caucasian men and women in room; young Caucasian boy wanders around the room.